Word Frequency

kiln in British English

(kɪln )

noun

1.

a large oven for burning, drying, or processing something, such as porcelain or bricks

verb

2. (transitive)

to fire or process in a kiln

Word origin

Old English cylen, from Late Latin culīna kitchen, from Latin coquere to cook

Word Frequency

kiln in American English

(kɪl ; kɪln )

noun

1.

a furnace or oven for drying, burning, or baking something, as bricks, grain, or pottery

verb transitive

2.

to dry, burn, or bake in a kiln

Word origin

ME kylne < OE cylne < L culina, cookstove, kitchen

Word Frequency

kiln in Chemical Engineering

(kɪln)

Word forms: (regular plural) kilns

noun

(Chemical Engineering: Reactors and separators)

A kiln is a heated reactor which sustains a reaction between a gas and a solid when there is no catalyst.

The hematite was heated as it moved through the kiln and reached maximum temperature near the discharge end.

The solid is loaded into the kiln, and heated until reaction is complete.

A kiln is a heated reactor which sustains a reaction between a gas and a solid when there is no catalyst.

kiln-dry in American English

(ˈkɪlˌdraɪ ; ˈkɪlnˌdraɪ )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈkiln-ˌdried or ˈkiln-ˌdrying

to dry in a kiln

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kiln-dry in American English

(ˈkɪlˌdrai, ˈkɪln-)

transitive verbWord forms: -dried, -drying

to dry in a kiln

Word origin

[1530–40]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, illegitimate, rigid, toilet

kiln-dry in American English

(ˈkɪlˌdraɪ ; ˈkɪlnˌdraɪ )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈkiln-ˌdried or ˈkiln-ˌdrying

to dry in a kiln

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kiln-dry in American English

(ˈkɪlˌdrai, ˈkɪln-)

transitive verbWord forms: -dried, -drying

to dry in a kiln

Word origin

[1530–40]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, illegitimate, rigid, toilet

kiln-dry in American English

(ˈkɪlˌdraɪ ; ˈkɪlnˌdraɪ )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈkiln-ˌdried or ˈkiln-ˌdrying

to dry in a kiln

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kiln-dry in American English

(ˈkɪlˌdrai, ˈkɪln-)

transitive verbWord forms: -dried, -drying

to dry in a kiln

Word origin

[1530–40]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, illegitimate, rigid, toilet

Word Frequency

kiln

(kɪln )

Word forms: plural kilns

countable noun

A kiln is an oven that is used to bake pottery and bricks in order to make them hard.

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Word Frequency

kiln in British English

(kɪln )

noun

1.

a large oven for burning, drying, or processing something, such as porcelain or bricks

verb

2. (transitive)

to fire or process in a kiln

Word origin

Old English cylen, from Late Latin culīna kitchen, from Latin coquere to cook

Word Frequency

kiln in American English

(kɪl ; kɪln )

noun

1.

a furnace or oven for drying, burning, or baking something, as bricks, grain, or pottery

verb transitive

2.

to dry, burn, or bake in a kiln

Word origin

ME kylne < OE cylne < L culina, cookstove, kitchen

Word Frequency

kiln in Chemical Engineering

(kɪln)

Word forms: (regular plural) kilns

noun

(Chemical Engineering: Reactors and separators)

A kiln is a heated reactor which sustains a reaction between a gas and a solid when there is no catalyst.

The hematite was heated as it moved through the kiln and reached maximum temperature near the discharge end.

The solid is loaded into the kiln, and heated until reaction is complete.

A kiln is a heated reactor which sustains a reaction between a gas and a solid when there is no catalyst.

Word Frequency

kiln

(kɪln )

Word forms: plural kilns

countable noun

A kiln is an oven that is used to bake pottery and bricks in order to make them hard.

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Word Frequency

kiln in British English

(kɪln )

noun

1.

a large oven for burning, drying, or processing something, such as porcelain or bricks

verb

2. (transitive)

to fire or process in a kiln

Word origin

Old English cylen, from Late Latin culīna kitchen, from Latin coquere to cook

Word Frequency

kiln in American English

(kɪl ; kɪln )

noun

1.

a furnace or oven for drying, burning, or baking something, as bricks, grain, or pottery

verb transitive

2.

to dry, burn, or bake in a kiln

Word origin

ME kylne < OE cylne < L culina, cookstove, kitchen

Word Frequency

kiln in Chemical Engineering

(kɪln)

Word forms: (regular plural) kilns

noun

(Chemical Engineering: Reactors and separators)

A kiln is a heated reactor which sustains a reaction between a gas and a solid when there is no catalyst.

The hematite was heated as it moved through the kiln and reached maximum temperature near the discharge end.

The solid is loaded into the kiln, and heated until reaction is complete.

A kiln is a heated reactor which sustains a reaction between a gas and a solid when there is no catalyst.

Word Frequency

kiln

(kɪln )

Word forms: plural kilns

countable noun

A kiln is an oven that is used to bake pottery and bricks in order to make them hard.

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Word Frequency

kiln in British English

(kɪln )

noun

1.

a large oven for burning, drying, or processing something, such as porcelain or bricks

verb

2. (transitive)

to fire or process in a kiln

Word origin

Old English cylen, from Late Latin culīna kitchen, from Latin coquere to cook

Word Frequency

kiln in American English

(kɪl ; kɪln )

noun

1.

a furnace or oven for drying, burning, or baking something, as bricks, grain, or pottery

verb transitive

2.

to dry, burn, or bake in a kiln

Word origin

ME kylne < OE cylne < L culina, cookstove, kitchen

Word Frequency

kiln in Chemical Engineering

(kɪln)

Word forms: (regular plural) kilns

noun

(Chemical Engineering: Reactors and separators)

A kiln is a heated reactor which sustains a reaction between a gas and a solid when there is no catalyst.

The hematite was heated as it moved through the kiln and reached maximum temperature near the discharge end.

The solid is loaded into the kiln, and heated until reaction is complete.

A kiln is a heated reactor which sustains a reaction between a gas and a solid when there is no catalyst.

Word Frequency

kilo

(kiːloʊ )

Word forms: plural kilos

countable noun [num NOUN]

A kilo is the same as a kilogram.

He'd lost ten kilos in weight. [+ in]

...a kilo of rice. [+ of]

Word Frequency

kilo-

(kɪloʊ- )

prefix

Kilo- is added to some nouns that refer to units of measurement in order to form other nouns referring to units a thousand times bigger.

...100 kilojoules of energy.

...an explosion of around 20 kilotons.

Video: pronunciation of
kilo

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Word Frequency

kilo in British English 1

(ˈkiːləʊ )

nounWord forms: plural kilos

short for kilogram, kilometre

Word Frequency

kilo in British English 2

(ˈkiːləʊ )

noun

communications

a code word for the letter k

Word Frequency

kilo- in British English

prefix

1.

denoting 103 (1000)

kilometre

Symbol: k

2.

(in computer technology) denoting 210 (1024): kilobyte: in computer usage, kilo- is restricted to sizes of storage (eg kilobit) when it means 1024; in other computer contexts it retains its usual meaning of 1000

Word origin

from French, from Greek khilioi thousand

Word Frequency

kilo in American English

(ˈkiloʊ ; ˈkɪloʊ )

nounWord forms: plural ˈkilos

1.

kilogram

2.

kilometer

Word origin

Fr: abbreviated form

Word Frequency

kilo- in American English

(ˈkɪloʊ ; ˈkɪlə )

one thousand; the factor 103

kilogram

Word origin

Fr < Gr chilioi, thousand < IE base *ĝhéslo-, thousand

Word Frequency

kilo

(kiːloʊ )

Word forms: plural kilos

countable noun [num NOUN]

A kilo is the same as a kilogram.

He'd lost ten kilos in weight. [+ in]

...a kilo of rice. [+ of]

Word Frequency

kilo-

(kɪloʊ- )

prefix

Kilo- is added to some nouns that refer to units of measurement in order to form other nouns referring to units a thousand times bigger.

...100 kilojoules of energy.

...an explosion of around 20 kilotons.

Video: pronunciation of
kilo

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Word Frequency

kilo in British English 1

(ˈkiːləʊ )

nounWord forms: plural kilos

short for kilogram, kilometre

Word Frequency

kilo in British English 2

(ˈkiːləʊ )

noun

communications

a code word for the letter k

Word Frequency

kilo- in British English

prefix

1.

denoting 103 (1000)

kilometre

Symbol: k

2.

(in computer technology) denoting 210 (1024): kilobyte: in computer usage, kilo- is restricted to sizes of storage (eg kilobit) when it means 1024; in other computer contexts it retains its usual meaning of 1000

Word origin

from French, from Greek khilioi thousand

Word Frequency

kilo in American English

(ˈkiloʊ ; ˈkɪloʊ )

nounWord forms: plural ˈkilos

1.

kilogram

2.

kilometer

Word origin

Fr: abbreviated form

Word Frequency

kilo- in American English

(ˈkɪloʊ ; ˈkɪlə )

one thousand; the factor 103

kilogram

Word origin

Fr < Gr chilioi, thousand < IE base *ĝhéslo-, thousand

dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in American English

(daɪˌklɔroʊfɪˌnɑksiəˈsitɪk )

a chloride derivative of phenol and acetic acid, C6H3Cl2OCH2COOH, used to destroy broad-leaved weeds without injuring grass; 2,4- D

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dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in American English

(daiˈklɔroufɪˈnɑksiəˈsitɪk, -əˈsetɪk, daiˈklour-, daiˌklɔroufɪˌnɑk-, daiˌklour-)

noun

Chemistry

a white to yellow, crystalline powder, C8H6O3Cl2, slightly soluble in water: used for killing weeds

Also called: 2, 4-D

Word origin

[di-1 + chloro-2 + phen- + oxy-2 + acetic acid]di- is a prefix occurring in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “two,” “twice,” “double” (diphthong). On this model, di- is freely used in the formation of compound words (dicotyledon; dipolar) and in chemical terms (diatomic; disulfide); oxy- is a combining form representing oxygen in compound words, sometimes as an equivalent of hydroxy-. Other words that use the affix oxy- include: alkoxy, epoxy, oxyacetylene, oxymorphone, oxysalt

dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in American English

(daɪˌklɔroʊfɪˌnɑksiəˈsitɪk )

a chloride derivative of phenol and acetic acid, C6H3Cl2OCH2COOH, used to destroy broad-leaved weeds without injuring grass; 2,4- D

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dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in American English

(daiˈklɔroufɪˈnɑksiəˈsitɪk, -əˈsetɪk, daiˈklour-, daiˌklɔroufɪˌnɑk-, daiˌklour-)

noun

Chemistry

a white to yellow, crystalline powder, C8H6O3Cl2, slightly soluble in water: used for killing weeds

Also called: 2, 4-D

Word origin

[di-1 + chloro-2 + phen- + oxy-2 + acetic acid]di- is a prefix occurring in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “two,” “twice,” “double” (diphthong). On this model, di- is freely used in the formation of compound words (dicotyledon; dipolar) and in chemical terms (diatomic; disulfide); oxy- is a combining form representing oxygen in compound words, sometimes as an equivalent of hydroxy-. Other words that use the affix oxy- include: alkoxy, epoxy, oxyacetylene, oxymorphone, oxysalt

Word Frequency

a

(ə , STRONG eɪ ) or an (ən , STRONG æn )

A or an is the indefinite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups which refer to only one person or thing. The form an is used in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.

1. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are talking about.

A waiter entered with a tray.

He started eating an apple.

Today you've got a new teacher taking you.

I manage a hotel.

2. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular type and do not want to be specific.

...expensive make-up that we saw being advertised by a beautiful model.

I suggest you leave it to an expert.

Bring a sleeping bag.

I was waiting for a bus.

3. determiner

You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully.

There was a terrible sadness in her eyes.

He did have a real knowledge of the country.

First you have to develop an awareness of just what is happening.

4. determiner

You use a or an in front of a mass noun when you want to refer to a single type or make of something.

Bollinger 'RD' is a rare, highly prized wine.

5. determiner

You use a in quantifiers such as a lot, a little, and a bit.

I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing.

I've come looking for a bit of advice.

6. determiner

You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a group, class, or type.

Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man.

...the operation a patient has had.

7. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of days, months, or festivals when you are referring to one particular instance of that day, month, or festival.

The interview took place on a Friday afternoon.

It was a Christmas when shoppers chose more practical gifts.

8. determiner

You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have.

I explained that I was an artist.

He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community.

9. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people as a way of indicating that you do not know them or anything about them and you are saying their name for the first time.

The full address was that of a Mrs P. R. Slater of Peterborough.

10. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people when you want to refer to someone else who has the same qualities or character as the person named.

When I listen to her play I can hear a new Beethoven.

11. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of a surname when you want to refer to someone who belongs to the family with that surname.

As far as I can recall, Patti was a Smith.

12. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual painting or sculpture created by them.

Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a work of genius.

13. determiner

You use a or an instead of the number 'one', especially with words of measurement such as ' hundred', 'hour', and 'metre', and with fractions such as 'half', ' quarter', and 'third'.

...more than a thousand acres of land.

...a quarter of an hour.

The skirts were shortened an inch or two.

14. determiner

You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or ratio.

Prices start at £13.95 a metre for printed cotton.

The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour.

English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘this car’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more, they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarThe indefinite articleThe indefinite article is a or an. The form an is used before a word that starts with a vowel sound.
a girl a cat
an eight-year-old girl an engineer
The ... Read more

Word Frequency

A

also a (eɪ ) (plural A's, a's )

1. variable noun

A is the first letter of the English alphabet.

2. variable noun

In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.

3. variable noun

If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is extremely good.

4.

A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as 'acceleration', ' ampè re', or 'answer'.

5.

See from A to B

Word Frequency

a-

(eɪ- )

prefix

A- is added to the beginning of some adjectives in order to form adjectives that describe someone or something that does not have the feature or quality indicated by the original word.

I'm a completely apolitical man.

She was amoral but honest.

...asymmetrical shapes.

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Word Frequency

a in British English

or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural a's, A's or As

1.

the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet

2.

any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in take, bag, calm, shortage, or cobra

3. Also called: alpha

the first in a series, esp the highest grade or mark, as in an examination

4. from A to Z

Word Frequency

a in British English 1

(ə , stressed or emphatic eɪ )

determiner (indefinite article; used before an initial consonant)

1.

used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known

a dog

a terrible disappointment

2.

used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named

a Romeo

3.

used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity

a cupful

a dozen eggs

a great many

to read a lot

4.

used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided

half a loaf

a quarter of a minute

5. (preceded by once, twice, several times, etc)

each or every; per

once a day

two pounds fifty a pound

6.

a certain; one

to change policy at a stroke

a Mr Khan called

7. (preceded by not)

any at all

not a hope

Compare an1, the1

Word Frequency

a in British English 2

(ə )

verb

an informal or dialect word for have

they'd a said if they'd known

Word Frequency

a in British English 3

(ə )

preposition

(usually linked to the preceding noun) an informal form of of

sorta sad

a kinda waste

Word Frequency

a in British English 4

symbol for

1.

2.

are(s) ( metric measure of land)

3.

atto-

4. chess algebraic notation

Word Frequency

A in British English

symbol for

1. music

a.

a note having a frequency of 440 hertz (A above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major

b.

a key, string, or pipe producing this note

c.

the major or minor key having this note as its tonic

2.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen

3.

(in Britain) a major arterial road

the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth

4. (formerly, in Britain)

a.

a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see

b.

(as modifier)

an A film

5.

mass number

6.

the number 10 in hexadecimal notation

7. cards

8. chemistry

argon (now superseded by Ar)

9.

ampere(s)

10. Also: at

11.

absolute (temperature)

12.

(in circuit diagrams) ammeter

13.

area

14. (in combination)

atomic

an A-bomb

an A-plant

15. chemistry

16. biochemistry

17. logic

a universal affirmative categorical proposition, such as all men are mortal: often symbolized as SaP

Compare E, I2, O1

18.

a.

a person whose job is in top management, or who holds a senior administrative or professional position

b.

(as modifier)

an A worker

See also occupation groupings

abbreviation for

19.

Austria (international car registration)

Word origin

from Latin a(ffirmo) I affirm

Word Frequency

Å in British English

symbol for

angstrom unit

angstrom unit in British English

(ˈæŋstrəm ˈjuːnɪt)

noun

a unit of length equal to 10 −10 metre, used principally to express the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations. It is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre

another name for angstrom

Word Frequency

A. in British English

abbreviation for

1.

acre(s) or acreage

2.

America(n)

3.

Word Frequency

a' in British English

or aa or aw (ɔː )

determiner

Scottish variants of all

Word Frequency

a- in British English 1

or before a vowel an-

prefix

not; without; opposite to

atonal

asocial

Word origin

from Greek a-, an- not, without

Word Frequency

a- in British English 2

prefix

1.

on; in; towards

afoot

abed

aground

aback

2. literary or archaic (used before a present participle)

in the act or process of

come a-running

go a-hunting

3.

in the condition or state of

afloat

alive

asleep

Word Frequency

A in American English 1

(eɪ )

noun

1.

a blood type

see also ABO system

2. US, Education

a grade indicating excellence

an A in history

3. Music

a.

the sixth tone or note in the ascending scale of C major

b.

a key, string, etc. producing this tone

c.

the scale having this tone as the keynote

adjective

4.

first-class; A 1

see also A one

Word Frequency

A in American English 2

1. Physics

absolute

2.

adenine

3.

America(n)

4.

ampere

5.

6.

angstrom

: also Å

7.

8.

answer

9.

10. Chemistry; Archaic

argon

11. Baseball and Basketball and Hockey

assist(s)

12.

13.

Word Frequency

a in American English 1

(eɪ ) or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural A's (eɪz ) or a's

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet: from the Greek alpha, a borrowing from the Phoenician

2.

any of the speech sounds that this letter represents, as, in English, the vowel ( (æ) ) of hat, ( (ɑ) ) of father, ( (eɪ) ) of bake, or ( (ɔ) ) of call

3.

a type or impression for a or A

4.

the first in a sequence or group

5.

an object shaped like A

adjective

6.

of a or A

7.

first in a sequence or group

8.

shaped like A

Idioms:

Word Frequency

a in American English 2

(ə ; stressed, eɪ )

adjective, indefinite article

1.

one; one sort of

we planted a tree

2.

each; any one [a gun is dangerous]

a connotes a thing not previously noted or recognized, in contrast with the, which connotes a thing previously noted or recognized

preposition

3.

to each; in each; for each; per

once a day

▶ USAGE: Before words beginning with a consonant sound or a sounded h, a is used [a child, a home, a uniform, a eunuch]; before words beginning with a vowel sound or a silent h, an is used [an ultimatum, an honor]

Word origin

form of an before consonants: see an1

Word Frequency

a in American English 3

(ɔ ; ɑ ) or a' (ɔ ; ɑ )

adjective

Scottish

all

Word Frequency

a in American English 4

1.

about

2.

3. Physics

acceleration

4.

active

5.

adjective

6.

adult

7.

8.

9.

answer

10.

are (unit of area)

11.

atto-

Word Frequency

a- in American English 1

(ə )

1.

in, into, on, at, to

ashore, abed

2.

in the act or state of

asleep, a-crying, a-wishing

Word origin

weakened form of OE an, on, in, on

Word Frequency

a- in American English 2

(ə ; for 3 eɪ )

1.

up, out: now generally used as an intensive

awake, arise

2.

off, of

akin

3.

not, without

it becomes an- before a vowel

amoral, atypical

4.

used before m, p, or v

avert

5.

used before sc, sp, or st

ascribe

Word origin

(sense 1) OE a-, out of, up; (sense 2) OE of-, af-; (sense 3) Gr a-, an-, not

Word Frequency

A in American English

(ei) or a (ei)

nounWord forms: plural A's or As, a's or as

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet, a vowel

2.

any spoken sound represented by the letter A or a, as in bake, hat, father, or small

3.

something having the shape of an A

4.

a written or printed representation of the letter A or a

5.

a device, as a printer's type, for reproducing the letter A or a

6. See from A to Z

7. See not know from A to B

Word Frequency

-a in American English 1

suffix

a plural ending of nouns borrowed from Greek and Latin

phenomena

criteria

data

errata

genera

Word Frequency

-a in American English 2

suffix

a feminine singular ending of nouns borrowed from Latin and Greek, also used in Neo-Latin coinages to Latinize bases of any origin, and as a Latin substitute for the feminine ending -ē of Greek words

anabaena

cinchona

pachysandra

Word Frequency

-a in American English 3

suffix

an ending of personal names forming feminines from masculines

Georgia

Roberta

Word origin

[‹ L fem. -a ( see -a2), as Claudia, fem. of Claudius]

Word Frequency

-a in American English 4

suffix

a suffix designating the oxide of the chemical element denoted by the stem

alumina

ceria

thoria

Word origin

[prob. generalized from the -a of magnesia]

Word Frequency

a

(ə , STRONG eɪ ) or an (ən , STRONG æn )

A or an is the indefinite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups which refer to only one person or thing. The form an is used in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.

1. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are talking about.

A waiter entered with a tray.

He started eating an apple.

Today you've got a new teacher taking you.

I manage a hotel.

2. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular type and do not want to be specific.

...expensive make-up that we saw being advertised by a beautiful model.

I suggest you leave it to an expert.

Bring a sleeping bag.

I was waiting for a bus.

3. determiner

You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully.

There was a terrible sadness in her eyes.

He did have a real knowledge of the country.

First you have to develop an awareness of just what is happening.

4. determiner

You use a or an in front of a mass noun when you want to refer to a single type or make of something.

Bollinger 'RD' is a rare, highly prized wine.

5. determiner

You use a in quantifiers such as a lot, a little, and a bit.

I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing.

I've come looking for a bit of advice.

6. determiner

You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a group, class, or type.

Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man.

...the operation a patient has had.

7. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of days, months, or festivals when you are referring to one particular instance of that day, month, or festival.

The interview took place on a Friday afternoon.

It was a Christmas when shoppers chose more practical gifts.

8. determiner

You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have.

I explained that I was an artist.

He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community.

9. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people as a way of indicating that you do not know them or anything about them and you are saying their name for the first time.

The full address was that of a Mrs P. R. Slater of Peterborough.

10. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people when you want to refer to someone else who has the same qualities or character as the person named.

When I listen to her play I can hear a new Beethoven.

11. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of a surname when you want to refer to someone who belongs to the family with that surname.

As far as I can recall, Patti was a Smith.

12. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual painting or sculpture created by them.

Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a work of genius.

13. determiner

You use a or an instead of the number 'one', especially with words of measurement such as ' hundred', 'hour', and 'metre', and with fractions such as 'half', ' quarter', and 'third'.

...more than a thousand acres of land.

...a quarter of an hour.

The skirts were shortened an inch or two.

14. determiner

You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or ratio.

Prices start at £13.95 a metre for printed cotton.

The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour.

English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘this car’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more, they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarThe indefinite articleThe indefinite article is a or an. The form an is used before a word that starts with a vowel sound.
a girl a cat
an eight-year-old girl an engineer
The ... Read more

Word Frequency

A

also a (eɪ ) (plural A's, a's )

1. variable noun

A is the first letter of the English alphabet.

2. variable noun

In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.

3. variable noun

If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is extremely good.

4.

A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as 'acceleration', ' ampè re', or 'answer'.

5.

See from A to B

Word Frequency

a-

(eɪ- )

prefix

A- is added to the beginning of some adjectives in order to form adjectives that describe someone or something that does not have the feature or quality indicated by the original word.

I'm a completely apolitical man.

She was amoral but honest.

...asymmetrical shapes.

You may also like

Word Frequency

a in British English

or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural a's, A's or As

1.

the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet

2.

any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in take, bag, calm, shortage, or cobra

3. Also called: alpha

the first in a series, esp the highest grade or mark, as in an examination

4. from A to Z

Word Frequency

a in British English 1

(ə , stressed or emphatic eɪ )

determiner (indefinite article; used before an initial consonant)

1.

used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known

a dog

a terrible disappointment

2.

used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named

a Romeo

3.

used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity

a cupful

a dozen eggs

a great many

to read a lot

4.

used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided

half a loaf

a quarter of a minute

5. (preceded by once, twice, several times, etc)

each or every; per

once a day

two pounds fifty a pound

6.

a certain; one

to change policy at a stroke

a Mr Khan called

7. (preceded by not)

any at all

not a hope

Compare an1, the1

Word Frequency

a in British English 2

(ə )

verb

an informal or dialect word for have

they'd a said if they'd known

Word Frequency

a in British English 3

(ə )

preposition

(usually linked to the preceding noun) an informal form of of

sorta sad

a kinda waste

Word Frequency

a in British English 4

symbol for

1.

2.

are(s) ( metric measure of land)

3.

atto-

4. chess algebraic notation

Word Frequency

A in British English

symbol for

1. music

a.

a note having a frequency of 440 hertz (A above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major

b.

a key, string, or pipe producing this note

c.

the major or minor key having this note as its tonic

2.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen

3.

(in Britain) a major arterial road

the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth

4. (formerly, in Britain)

a.

a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see

b.

(as modifier)

an A film

5.

mass number

6.

the number 10 in hexadecimal notation

7. cards

8. chemistry

argon (now superseded by Ar)

9.

ampere(s)

10. Also: at

11.

absolute (temperature)

12.

(in circuit diagrams) ammeter

13.

area

14. (in combination)

atomic

an A-bomb

an A-plant

15. chemistry

16. biochemistry

17. logic

a universal affirmative categorical proposition, such as all men are mortal: often symbolized as SaP

Compare E, I2, O1

18.

a.

a person whose job is in top management, or who holds a senior administrative or professional position

b.

(as modifier)

an A worker

See also occupation groupings

abbreviation for

19.

Austria (international car registration)

Word origin

from Latin a(ffirmo) I affirm

Word Frequency

Å in British English

symbol for

angstrom unit

angstrom unit in British English

(ˈæŋstrəm ˈjuːnɪt)

noun

a unit of length equal to 10 −10 metre, used principally to express the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations. It is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre

another name for angstrom

Word Frequency

A. in British English

abbreviation for

1.

acre(s) or acreage

2.

America(n)

3.

Word Frequency

a' in British English

or aa or aw (ɔː )

determiner

Scottish variants of all

Word Frequency

a- in British English 1

or before a vowel an-

prefix

not; without; opposite to

atonal

asocial

Word origin

from Greek a-, an- not, without

Word Frequency

a- in British English 2

prefix

1.

on; in; towards

afoot

abed

aground

aback

2. literary or archaic (used before a present participle)

in the act or process of

come a-running

go a-hunting

3.

in the condition or state of

afloat

alive

asleep

Word Frequency

A in American English 1

(eɪ )

noun

1.

a blood type

see also ABO system

2. US, Education

a grade indicating excellence

an A in history

3. Music

a.

the sixth tone or note in the ascending scale of C major

b.

a key, string, etc. producing this tone

c.

the scale having this tone as the keynote

adjective

4.

first-class; A 1

see also A one

Word Frequency

A in American English 2

1. Physics

absolute

2.

adenine

3.

America(n)

4.

ampere

5.

6.

angstrom

: also Å

7.

8.

answer

9.

10. Chemistry; Archaic

argon

11. Baseball and Basketball and Hockey

assist(s)

12.

13.

Word Frequency

a in American English 1

(eɪ ) or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural A's (eɪz ) or a's

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet: from the Greek alpha, a borrowing from the Phoenician

2.

any of the speech sounds that this letter represents, as, in English, the vowel ( (æ) ) of hat, ( (ɑ) ) of father, ( (eɪ) ) of bake, or ( (ɔ) ) of call

3.

a type or impression for a or A

4.

the first in a sequence or group

5.

an object shaped like A

adjective

6.

of a or A

7.

first in a sequence or group

8.

shaped like A

Idioms:

Word Frequency

a in American English 2

(ə ; stressed, eɪ )

adjective, indefinite article

1.

one; one sort of

we planted a tree

2.

each; any one [a gun is dangerous]

a connotes a thing not previously noted or recognized, in contrast with the, which connotes a thing previously noted or recognized

preposition

3.

to each; in each; for each; per

once a day

▶ USAGE: Before words beginning with a consonant sound or a sounded h, a is used [a child, a home, a uniform, a eunuch]; before words beginning with a vowel sound or a silent h, an is used [an ultimatum, an honor]

Word origin

form of an before consonants: see an1

Word Frequency

a in American English 3

(ɔ ; ɑ ) or a' (ɔ ; ɑ )

adjective

Scottish

all

Word Frequency

a in American English 4

1.

about

2.

3. Physics

acceleration

4.

active

5.

adjective

6.

adult

7.

8.

9.

answer

10.

are (unit of area)

11.

atto-

Word Frequency

a- in American English 1

(ə )

1.

in, into, on, at, to

ashore, abed

2.

in the act or state of

asleep, a-crying, a-wishing

Word origin

weakened form of OE an, on, in, on

Word Frequency

a- in American English 2

(ə ; for 3 eɪ )

1.

up, out: now generally used as an intensive

awake, arise

2.

off, of

akin

3.

not, without

it becomes an- before a vowel

amoral, atypical

4.

used before m, p, or v

avert

5.

used before sc, sp, or st

ascribe

Word origin

(sense 1) OE a-, out of, up; (sense 2) OE of-, af-; (sense 3) Gr a-, an-, not

Word Frequency

A in American English

(ei) or a (ei)

nounWord forms: plural A's or As, a's or as

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet, a vowel

2.

any spoken sound represented by the letter A or a, as in bake, hat, father, or small

3.

something having the shape of an A

4.

a written or printed representation of the letter A or a

5.

a device, as a printer's type, for reproducing the letter A or a

6. See from A to Z

7. See not know from A to B

Word Frequency

-a in American English 1

suffix

a plural ending of nouns borrowed from Greek and Latin

phenomena

criteria

data

errata

genera

Word Frequency

-a in American English 2

suffix

a feminine singular ending of nouns borrowed from Latin and Greek, also used in Neo-Latin coinages to Latinize bases of any origin, and as a Latin substitute for the feminine ending -ē of Greek words

anabaena

cinchona

pachysandra

Word Frequency

-a in American English 3

suffix

an ending of personal names forming feminines from masculines

Georgia

Roberta

Word origin

[‹ L fem. -a ( see -a2), as Claudia, fem. of Claudius]

Word Frequency

-a in American English 4

suffix

a suffix designating the oxide of the chemical element denoted by the stem

alumina

ceria

thoria

Word origin

[prob. generalized from the -a of magnesia]

Word Frequency

a

(ə , STRONG eɪ ) or an (ən , STRONG æn )

A or an is the indefinite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups which refer to only one person or thing. The form an is used in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.

1. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are talking about.

A waiter entered with a tray.

He started eating an apple.

Today you've got a new teacher taking you.

I manage a hotel.

2. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular type and do not want to be specific.

...expensive make-up that we saw being advertised by a beautiful model.

I suggest you leave it to an expert.

Bring a sleeping bag.

I was waiting for a bus.

3. determiner

You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully.

There was a terrible sadness in her eyes.

He did have a real knowledge of the country.

First you have to develop an awareness of just what is happening.

4. determiner

You use a or an in front of a mass noun when you want to refer to a single type or make of something.

Bollinger 'RD' is a rare, highly prized wine.

5. determiner

You use a in quantifiers such as a lot, a little, and a bit.

I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing.

I've come looking for a bit of advice.

6. determiner

You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a group, class, or type.

Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man.

...the operation a patient has had.

7. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of days, months, or festivals when you are referring to one particular instance of that day, month, or festival.

The interview took place on a Friday afternoon.

It was a Christmas when shoppers chose more practical gifts.

8. determiner

You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have.

I explained that I was an artist.

He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community.

9. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people as a way of indicating that you do not know them or anything about them and you are saying their name for the first time.

The full address was that of a Mrs P. R. Slater of Peterborough.

10. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people when you want to refer to someone else who has the same qualities or character as the person named.

When I listen to her play I can hear a new Beethoven.

11. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of a surname when you want to refer to someone who belongs to the family with that surname.

As far as I can recall, Patti was a Smith.

12. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual painting or sculpture created by them.

Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a work of genius.

13. determiner

You use a or an instead of the number 'one', especially with words of measurement such as ' hundred', 'hour', and 'metre', and with fractions such as 'half', ' quarter', and 'third'.

...more than a thousand acres of land.

...a quarter of an hour.

The skirts were shortened an inch or two.

14. determiner

You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or ratio.

Prices start at £13.95 a metre for printed cotton.

The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour.

English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘this car’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more, they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarThe indefinite articleThe indefinite article is a or an. The form an is used before a word that starts with a vowel sound.
a girl a cat
an eight-year-old girl an engineer
The ... Read more

Word Frequency

A

also a (eɪ ) (plural A's, a's )

1. variable noun

A is the first letter of the English alphabet.

2. variable noun

In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.

3. variable noun

If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is extremely good.

4.

A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as 'acceleration', ' ampè re', or 'answer'.

5.

See from A to B

Word Frequency

a-

(eɪ- )

prefix

A- is added to the beginning of some adjectives in order to form adjectives that describe someone or something that does not have the feature or quality indicated by the original word.

I'm a completely apolitical man.

She was amoral but honest.

...asymmetrical shapes.

You may also like

Word Frequency

a in British English

or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural a's, A's or As

1.

the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet

2.

any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in take, bag, calm, shortage, or cobra

3. Also called: alpha

the first in a series, esp the highest grade or mark, as in an examination

4. from A to Z

Word Frequency

a in British English 1

(ə , stressed or emphatic eɪ )

determiner (indefinite article; used before an initial consonant)

1.

used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known

a dog

a terrible disappointment

2.

used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named

a Romeo

3.

used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity

a cupful

a dozen eggs

a great many

to read a lot

4.

used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided

half a loaf

a quarter of a minute

5. (preceded by once, twice, several times, etc)

each or every; per

once a day

two pounds fifty a pound

6.

a certain; one

to change policy at a stroke

a Mr Khan called

7. (preceded by not)

any at all

not a hope

Compare an1, the1

Word Frequency

a in British English 2

(ə )

verb

an informal or dialect word for have

they'd a said if they'd known

Word Frequency

a in British English 3

(ə )

preposition

(usually linked to the preceding noun) an informal form of of

sorta sad

a kinda waste

Word Frequency

a in British English 4

symbol for

1.

2.

are(s) ( metric measure of land)

3.

atto-

4. chess algebraic notation

Word Frequency

A in British English

symbol for

1. music

a.

a note having a frequency of 440 hertz (A above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major

b.

a key, string, or pipe producing this note

c.

the major or minor key having this note as its tonic

2.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen

3.

(in Britain) a major arterial road

the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth

4. (formerly, in Britain)

a.

a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see

b.

(as modifier)

an A film

5.

mass number

6.

the number 10 in hexadecimal notation

7. cards

8. chemistry

argon (now superseded by Ar)

9.

ampere(s)

10. Also: at

11.

absolute (temperature)

12.

(in circuit diagrams) ammeter

13.

area

14. (in combination)

atomic

an A-bomb

an A-plant

15. chemistry

16. biochemistry

17. logic

a universal affirmative categorical proposition, such as all men are mortal: often symbolized as SaP

Compare E, I2, O1

18.

a.

a person whose job is in top management, or who holds a senior administrative or professional position

b.

(as modifier)

an A worker

See also occupation groupings

abbreviation for

19.

Austria (international car registration)

Word origin

from Latin a(ffirmo) I affirm

Word Frequency

Å in British English

symbol for

angstrom unit

angstrom unit in British English

(ˈæŋstrəm ˈjuːnɪt)

noun

a unit of length equal to 10 −10 metre, used principally to express the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations. It is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre

another name for angstrom

Word Frequency

A. in British English

abbreviation for

1.

acre(s) or acreage

2.

America(n)

3.

Word Frequency

a' in British English

or aa or aw (ɔː )

determiner

Scottish variants of all

Word Frequency

a- in British English 1

or before a vowel an-

prefix

not; without; opposite to

atonal

asocial

Word origin

from Greek a-, an- not, without

Word Frequency

a- in British English 2

prefix

1.

on; in; towards

afoot

abed

aground

aback

2. literary or archaic (used before a present participle)

in the act or process of

come a-running

go a-hunting

3.

in the condition or state of

afloat

alive

asleep

Word Frequency

A in American English 1

(eɪ )

noun

1.

a blood type

see also ABO system

2. US, Education

a grade indicating excellence

an A in history

3. Music

a.

the sixth tone or note in the ascending scale of C major

b.

a key, string, etc. producing this tone

c.

the scale having this tone as the keynote

adjective

4.

first-class; A 1

see also A one

Word Frequency

A in American English 2

1. Physics

absolute

2.

adenine

3.

America(n)

4.

ampere

5.

6.

angstrom

: also Å

7.

8.

answer

9.

10. Chemistry; Archaic

argon

11. Baseball and Basketball and Hockey

assist(s)

12.

13.

Word Frequency

a in American English 1

(eɪ ) or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural A's (eɪz ) or a's

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet: from the Greek alpha, a borrowing from the Phoenician

2.

any of the speech sounds that this letter represents, as, in English, the vowel ( (æ) ) of hat, ( (ɑ) ) of father, ( (eɪ) ) of bake, or ( (ɔ) ) of call

3.

a type or impression for a or A

4.

the first in a sequence or group

5.

an object shaped like A

adjective

6.

of a or A

7.

first in a sequence or group

8.

shaped like A

Idioms:

Word Frequency

a in American English 2

(ə ; stressed, eɪ )

adjective, indefinite article

1.

one; one sort of

we planted a tree

2.

each; any one [a gun is dangerous]

a connotes a thing not previously noted or recognized, in contrast with the, which connotes a thing previously noted or recognized

preposition

3.

to each; in each; for each; per

once a day

▶ USAGE: Before words beginning with a consonant sound or a sounded h, a is used [a child, a home, a uniform, a eunuch]; before words beginning with a vowel sound or a silent h, an is used [an ultimatum, an honor]

Word origin

form of an before consonants: see an1

Word Frequency

a in American English 3

(ɔ ; ɑ ) or a' (ɔ ; ɑ )

adjective

Scottish

all

Word Frequency

a in American English 4

1.

about

2.

3. Physics

acceleration

4.

active

5.

adjective

6.

adult

7.

8.

9.

answer

10.

are (unit of area)

11.

atto-

Word Frequency

a- in American English 1

(ə )

1.

in, into, on, at, to

ashore, abed

2.

in the act or state of

asleep, a-crying, a-wishing

Word origin

weakened form of OE an, on, in, on

Word Frequency

a- in American English 2

(ə ; for 3 eɪ )

1.

up, out: now generally used as an intensive

awake, arise

2.

off, of

akin

3.

not, without

it becomes an- before a vowel

amoral, atypical

4.

used before m, p, or v

avert

5.

used before sc, sp, or st

ascribe

Word origin

(sense 1) OE a-, out of, up; (sense 2) OE of-, af-; (sense 3) Gr a-, an-, not

Word Frequency

A in American English

(ei) or a (ei)

nounWord forms: plural A's or As, a's or as

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet, a vowel

2.

any spoken sound represented by the letter A or a, as in bake, hat, father, or small

3.

something having the shape of an A

4.

a written or printed representation of the letter A or a

5.

a device, as a printer's type, for reproducing the letter A or a

6. See from A to Z

7. See not know from A to B

Word Frequency

-a in American English 1

suffix

a plural ending of nouns borrowed from Greek and Latin

phenomena

criteria

data

errata

genera

Word Frequency

-a in American English 2

suffix

a feminine singular ending of nouns borrowed from Latin and Greek, also used in Neo-Latin coinages to Latinize bases of any origin, and as a Latin substitute for the feminine ending -ē of Greek words

anabaena

cinchona

pachysandra

Word Frequency

-a in American English 3

suffix

an ending of personal names forming feminines from masculines

Georgia

Roberta

Word origin

[‹ L fem. -a ( see -a2), as Claudia, fem. of Claudius]

Word Frequency

-a in American English 4

suffix

a suffix designating the oxide of the chemical element denoted by the stem

alumina

ceria

thoria

Word origin

[prob. generalized from the -a of magnesia]

Word Frequency

a

(ə , STRONG eɪ ) or an (ən , STRONG æn )

A or an is the indefinite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups which refer to only one person or thing. The form an is used in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.

1. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are talking about.

A waiter entered with a tray.

He started eating an apple.

Today you've got a new teacher taking you.

I manage a hotel.

2. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular type and do not want to be specific.

...expensive make-up that we saw being advertised by a beautiful model.

I suggest you leave it to an expert.

Bring a sleeping bag.

I was waiting for a bus.

3. determiner

You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully.

There was a terrible sadness in her eyes.

He did have a real knowledge of the country.

First you have to develop an awareness of just what is happening.

4. determiner

You use a or an in front of a mass noun when you want to refer to a single type or make of something.

Bollinger 'RD' is a rare, highly prized wine.

5. determiner

You use a in quantifiers such as a lot, a little, and a bit.

I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing.

I've come looking for a bit of advice.

6. determiner

You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a group, class, or type.

Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man.

...the operation a patient has had.

7. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of days, months, or festivals when you are referring to one particular instance of that day, month, or festival.

The interview took place on a Friday afternoon.

It was a Christmas when shoppers chose more practical gifts.

8. determiner

You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have.

I explained that I was an artist.

He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community.

9. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people as a way of indicating that you do not know them or anything about them and you are saying their name for the first time.

The full address was that of a Mrs P. R. Slater of Peterborough.

10. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people when you want to refer to someone else who has the same qualities or character as the person named.

When I listen to her play I can hear a new Beethoven.

11. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of a surname when you want to refer to someone who belongs to the family with that surname.

As far as I can recall, Patti was a Smith.

12. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual painting or sculpture created by them.

Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a work of genius.

13. determiner

You use a or an instead of the number 'one', especially with words of measurement such as ' hundred', 'hour', and 'metre', and with fractions such as 'half', ' quarter', and 'third'.

...more than a thousand acres of land.

...a quarter of an hour.

The skirts were shortened an inch or two.

14. determiner

You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or ratio.

Prices start at £13.95 a metre for printed cotton.

The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour.

English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘this car’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more, they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarThe indefinite articleThe indefinite article is a or an. The form an is used before a word that starts with a vowel sound.
a girl a cat
an eight-year-old girl an engineer
The ... Read more

Word Frequency

A

also a (eɪ ) (plural A's, a's )

1. variable noun

A is the first letter of the English alphabet.

2. variable noun

In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.

3. variable noun

If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is extremely good.

4.

A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as 'acceleration', ' ampè re', or 'answer'.

5.

See from A to B

Word Frequency

a-

(eɪ- )

prefix

A- is added to the beginning of some adjectives in order to form adjectives that describe someone or something that does not have the feature or quality indicated by the original word.

I'm a completely apolitical man.

She was amoral but honest.

...asymmetrical shapes.

You may also like

Word Frequency

a in British English

or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural a's, A's or As

1.

the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet

2.

any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in take, bag, calm, shortage, or cobra

3. Also called: alpha

the first in a series, esp the highest grade or mark, as in an examination

4. from A to Z

Word Frequency

a in British English 1

(ə , stressed or emphatic eɪ )

determiner (indefinite article; used before an initial consonant)

1.

used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known

a dog

a terrible disappointment

2.

used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named

a Romeo

3.

used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity

a cupful

a dozen eggs

a great many

to read a lot

4.

used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided

half a loaf

a quarter of a minute

5. (preceded by once, twice, several times, etc)

each or every; per

once a day

two pounds fifty a pound

6.

a certain; one

to change policy at a stroke

a Mr Khan called

7. (preceded by not)

any at all

not a hope

Compare an1, the1

Word Frequency

a in British English 2

(ə )

verb

an informal or dialect word for have

they'd a said if they'd known

Word Frequency

a in British English 3

(ə )

preposition

(usually linked to the preceding noun) an informal form of of

sorta sad

a kinda waste

Word Frequency

a in British English 4

symbol for

1.

2.

are(s) ( metric measure of land)

3.

atto-

4. chess algebraic notation

Word Frequency

A in British English

symbol for

1. music

a.

a note having a frequency of 440 hertz (A above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major

b.

a key, string, or pipe producing this note

c.

the major or minor key having this note as its tonic

2.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen

3.

(in Britain) a major arterial road

the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth

4. (formerly, in Britain)

a.

a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see

b.

(as modifier)

an A film

5.

mass number

6.

the number 10 in hexadecimal notation

7. cards

8. chemistry

argon (now superseded by Ar)

9.

ampere(s)

10. Also: at

11.

absolute (temperature)

12.

(in circuit diagrams) ammeter

13.

area

14. (in combination)

atomic

an A-bomb

an A-plant

15. chemistry

16. biochemistry

17. logic

a universal affirmative categorical proposition, such as all men are mortal: often symbolized as SaP

Compare E, I2, O1

18.

a.

a person whose job is in top management, or who holds a senior administrative or professional position

b.

(as modifier)

an A worker

See also occupation groupings

abbreviation for

19.

Austria (international car registration)

Word origin

from Latin a(ffirmo) I affirm

Word Frequency

Å in British English

symbol for

angstrom unit

angstrom unit in British English

(ˈæŋstrəm ˈjuːnɪt)

noun

a unit of length equal to 10 −10 metre, used principally to express the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations. It is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre

another name for angstrom

Word Frequency

A. in British English

abbreviation for

1.

acre(s) or acreage

2.

America(n)

3.

Word Frequency

a' in British English

or aa or aw (ɔː )

determiner

Scottish variants of all

Word Frequency

a- in British English 1

or before a vowel an-

prefix

not; without; opposite to

atonal

asocial

Word origin

from Greek a-, an- not, without

Word Frequency

a- in British English 2

prefix

1.

on; in; towards

afoot

abed

aground

aback

2. literary or archaic (used before a present participle)

in the act or process of

come a-running

go a-hunting

3.

in the condition or state of

afloat

alive

asleep

Word Frequency

A in American English 1

(eɪ )

noun

1.

a blood type

see also ABO system

2. US, Education

a grade indicating excellence

an A in history

3. Music

a.

the sixth tone or note in the ascending scale of C major

b.

a key, string, etc. producing this tone

c.

the scale having this tone as the keynote

adjective

4.

first-class; A 1

see also A one

Word Frequency

A in American English 2

1. Physics

absolute

2.

adenine

3.

America(n)

4.

ampere

5.

6.

angstrom

: also Å

7.

8.

answer

9.

10. Chemistry; Archaic

argon

11. Baseball and Basketball and Hockey

assist(s)

12.

13.

Word Frequency

a in American English 1

(eɪ ) or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural A's (eɪz ) or a's

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet: from the Greek alpha, a borrowing from the Phoenician

2.

any of the speech sounds that this letter represents, as, in English, the vowel ( (æ) ) of hat, ( (ɑ) ) of father, ( (eɪ) ) of bake, or ( (ɔ) ) of call

3.

a type or impression for a or A

4.

the first in a sequence or group

5.

an object shaped like A

adjective

6.

of a or A

7.

first in a sequence or group

8.

shaped like A

Idioms:

Word Frequency

a in American English 2

(ə ; stressed, eɪ )

adjective, indefinite article

1.

one; one sort of

we planted a tree

2.

each; any one [a gun is dangerous]

a connotes a thing not previously noted or recognized, in contrast with the, which connotes a thing previously noted or recognized

preposition

3.

to each; in each; for each; per

once a day

▶ USAGE: Before words beginning with a consonant sound or a sounded h, a is used [a child, a home, a uniform, a eunuch]; before words beginning with a vowel sound or a silent h, an is used [an ultimatum, an honor]

Word origin

form of an before consonants: see an1

Word Frequency

a in American English 3

(ɔ ; ɑ ) or a' (ɔ ; ɑ )

adjective

Scottish

all

Word Frequency

a in American English 4

1.

about

2.

3. Physics

acceleration

4.

active

5.

adjective

6.

adult

7.

8.

9.

answer

10.

are (unit of area)

11.

atto-

Word Frequency

a- in American English 1

(ə )

1.

in, into, on, at, to

ashore, abed

2.

in the act or state of

asleep, a-crying, a-wishing

Word origin

weakened form of OE an, on, in, on

Word Frequency

a- in American English 2

(ə ; for 3 eɪ )

1.

up, out: now generally used as an intensive

awake, arise

2.

off, of

akin

3.

not, without

it becomes an- before a vowel

amoral, atypical

4.

used before m, p, or v

avert

5.

used before sc, sp, or st

ascribe

Word origin

(sense 1) OE a-, out of, up; (sense 2) OE of-, af-; (sense 3) Gr a-, an-, not

Word Frequency

A in American English

(ei) or a (ei)

nounWord forms: plural A's or As, a's or as

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet, a vowel

2.

any spoken sound represented by the letter A or a, as in bake, hat, father, or small

3.

something having the shape of an A

4.

a written or printed representation of the letter A or a

5.

a device, as a printer's type, for reproducing the letter A or a

6. See from A to Z

7. See not know from A to B

Word Frequency

-a in American English 1

suffix

a plural ending of nouns borrowed from Greek and Latin

phenomena

criteria

data

errata

genera

Word Frequency

-a in American English 2

suffix

a feminine singular ending of nouns borrowed from Latin and Greek, also used in Neo-Latin coinages to Latinize bases of any origin, and as a Latin substitute for the feminine ending -ē of Greek words

anabaena

cinchona

pachysandra

Word Frequency

-a in American English 3

suffix

an ending of personal names forming feminines from masculines

Georgia

Roberta

Word origin

[‹ L fem. -a ( see -a2), as Claudia, fem. of Claudius]

Word Frequency

-a in American English 4

suffix

a suffix designating the oxide of the chemical element denoted by the stem

alumina

ceria

thoria

Word origin

[prob. generalized from the -a of magnesia]

Word Frequency

a

(ə , STRONG eɪ ) or an (ən , STRONG æn )

A or an is the indefinite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups which refer to only one person or thing. The form an is used in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.

1. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are talking about.

A waiter entered with a tray.

He started eating an apple.

Today you've got a new teacher taking you.

I manage a hotel.

2. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular type and do not want to be specific.

...expensive make-up that we saw being advertised by a beautiful model.

I suggest you leave it to an expert.

Bring a sleeping bag.

I was waiting for a bus.

3. determiner

You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully.

There was a terrible sadness in her eyes.

He did have a real knowledge of the country.

First you have to develop an awareness of just what is happening.

4. determiner

You use a or an in front of a mass noun when you want to refer to a single type or make of something.

Bollinger 'RD' is a rare, highly prized wine.

5. determiner

You use a in quantifiers such as a lot, a little, and a bit.

I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing.

I've come looking for a bit of advice.

6. determiner

You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a group, class, or type.

Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man.

...the operation a patient has had.

7. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of days, months, or festivals when you are referring to one particular instance of that day, month, or festival.

The interview took place on a Friday afternoon.

It was a Christmas when shoppers chose more practical gifts.

8. determiner

You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have.

I explained that I was an artist.

He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community.

9. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people as a way of indicating that you do not know them or anything about them and you are saying their name for the first time.

The full address was that of a Mrs P. R. Slater of Peterborough.

10. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people when you want to refer to someone else who has the same qualities or character as the person named.

When I listen to her play I can hear a new Beethoven.

11. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of a surname when you want to refer to someone who belongs to the family with that surname.

As far as I can recall, Patti was a Smith.

12. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual painting or sculpture created by them.

Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a work of genius.

13. determiner

You use a or an instead of the number 'one', especially with words of measurement such as ' hundred', 'hour', and 'metre', and with fractions such as 'half', ' quarter', and 'third'.

...more than a thousand acres of land.

...a quarter of an hour.

The skirts were shortened an inch or two.

14. determiner

You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or ratio.

Prices start at £13.95 a metre for printed cotton.

The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour.

English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘this car’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more, they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarThe indefinite articleThe indefinite article is a or an. The form an is used before a word that starts with a vowel sound.
a girl a cat
an eight-year-old girl an engineer
The ... Read more

Word Frequency

A

also a (eɪ ) (plural A's, a's )

1. variable noun

A is the first letter of the English alphabet.

2. variable noun

In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.

3. variable noun

If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is extremely good.

4.

A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as 'acceleration', ' ampè re', or 'answer'.

5.

See from A to B

Word Frequency

a-

(eɪ- )

prefix

A- is added to the beginning of some adjectives in order to form adjectives that describe someone or something that does not have the feature or quality indicated by the original word.

I'm a completely apolitical man.

She was amoral but honest.

...asymmetrical shapes.

You may also like

Word Frequency

a in British English

or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural a's, A's or As

1.

the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet

2.

any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in take, bag, calm, shortage, or cobra

3. Also called: alpha

the first in a series, esp the highest grade or mark, as in an examination

4. from A to Z

Word Frequency

a in British English 1

(ə , stressed or emphatic eɪ )

determiner (indefinite article; used before an initial consonant)

1.

used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known

a dog

a terrible disappointment

2.

used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named

a Romeo

3.

used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity

a cupful

a dozen eggs

a great many

to read a lot

4.

used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided

half a loaf

a quarter of a minute

5. (preceded by once, twice, several times, etc)

each or every; per

once a day

two pounds fifty a pound

6.

a certain; one

to change policy at a stroke

a Mr Khan called

7. (preceded by not)

any at all

not a hope

Compare an1, the1

Word Frequency

a in British English 2

(ə )

verb

an informal or dialect word for have

they'd a said if they'd known

Word Frequency

a in British English 3

(ə )

preposition

(usually linked to the preceding noun) an informal form of of

sorta sad

a kinda waste

Word Frequency

a in British English 4

symbol for

1.

2.

are(s) ( metric measure of land)

3.

atto-

4. chess algebraic notation

Word Frequency

A in British English

symbol for

1. music

a.

a note having a frequency of 440 hertz (A above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major

b.

a key, string, or pipe producing this note

c.

the major or minor key having this note as its tonic

2.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen

3.

(in Britain) a major arterial road

the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth

4. (formerly, in Britain)

a.

a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see

b.

(as modifier)

an A film

5.

mass number

6.

the number 10 in hexadecimal notation

7. cards

8. chemistry

argon (now superseded by Ar)

9.

ampere(s)

10. Also: at

11.

absolute (temperature)

12.

(in circuit diagrams) ammeter

13.

area

14. (in combination)

atomic

an A-bomb

an A-plant

15. chemistry

16. biochemistry

17. logic

a universal affirmative categorical proposition, such as all men are mortal: often symbolized as SaP

Compare E, I2, O1

18.

a.

a person whose job is in top management, or who holds a senior administrative or professional position

b.

(as modifier)

an A worker

See also occupation groupings

abbreviation for

19.

Austria (international car registration)

Word origin

from Latin a(ffirmo) I affirm

Word Frequency

Å in British English

symbol for

angstrom unit

angstrom unit in British English

(ˈæŋstrəm ˈjuːnɪt)

noun

a unit of length equal to 10 −10 metre, used principally to express the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations. It is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre

another name for angstrom

Word Frequency

A. in British English

abbreviation for

1.

acre(s) or acreage

2.

America(n)

3.

Word Frequency

a' in British English

or aa or aw (ɔː )

determiner

Scottish variants of all

Word Frequency

a- in British English 1

or before a vowel an-

prefix

not; without; opposite to

atonal

asocial

Word origin

from Greek a-, an- not, without

Word Frequency

a- in British English 2

prefix

1.

on; in; towards

afoot

abed

aground

aback

2. literary or archaic (used before a present participle)

in the act or process of

come a-running

go a-hunting

3.

in the condition or state of

afloat

alive

asleep

Word Frequency

A in American English 1

(eɪ )

noun

1.

a blood type

see also ABO system

2. US, Education

a grade indicating excellence

an A in history

3. Music

a.

the sixth tone or note in the ascending scale of C major

b.

a key, string, etc. producing this tone

c.

the scale having this tone as the keynote

adjective

4.

first-class; A 1

see also A one

Word Frequency

A in American English 2

1. Physics

absolute

2.

adenine

3.

America(n)

4.

ampere

5.

6.

angstrom

: also Å

7.

8.

answer

9.

10. Chemistry; Archaic

argon

11. Baseball and Basketball and Hockey

assist(s)

12.

13.

Word Frequency

a in American English 1

(eɪ ) or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural A's (eɪz ) or a's

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet: from the Greek alpha, a borrowing from the Phoenician

2.

any of the speech sounds that this letter represents, as, in English, the vowel ( (æ) ) of hat, ( (ɑ) ) of father, ( (eɪ) ) of bake, or ( (ɔ) ) of call

3.

a type or impression for a or A

4.

the first in a sequence or group

5.

an object shaped like A

adjective

6.

of a or A

7.

first in a sequence or group

8.

shaped like A

Idioms:

Word Frequency

a in American English 2

(ə ; stressed, eɪ )

adjective, indefinite article

1.

one; one sort of

we planted a tree

2.

each; any one [a gun is dangerous]

a connotes a thing not previously noted or recognized, in contrast with the, which connotes a thing previously noted or recognized

preposition

3.

to each; in each; for each; per

once a day

▶ USAGE: Before words beginning with a consonant sound or a sounded h, a is used [a child, a home, a uniform, a eunuch]; before words beginning with a vowel sound or a silent h, an is used [an ultimatum, an honor]

Word origin

form of an before consonants: see an1

Word Frequency

a in American English 3

(ɔ ; ɑ ) or a' (ɔ ; ɑ )

adjective

Scottish

all

Word Frequency

a in American English 4

1.

about

2.

3. Physics

acceleration

4.

active

5.

adjective

6.

adult

7.

8.

9.

answer

10.

are (unit of area)

11.

atto-

Word Frequency

a- in American English 1

(ə )

1.

in, into, on, at, to

ashore, abed

2.

in the act or state of

asleep, a-crying, a-wishing

Word origin

weakened form of OE an, on, in, on

Word Frequency

a- in American English 2

(ə ; for 3 eɪ )

1.

up, out: now generally used as an intensive

awake, arise

2.

off, of

akin

3.

not, without

it becomes an- before a vowel

amoral, atypical

4.

used before m, p, or v

avert

5.

used before sc, sp, or st

ascribe

Word origin

(sense 1) OE a-, out of, up; (sense 2) OE of-, af-; (sense 3) Gr a-, an-, not

Word Frequency

A in American English

(ei) or a (ei)

nounWord forms: plural A's or As, a's or as

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet, a vowel

2.

any spoken sound represented by the letter A or a, as in bake, hat, father, or small

3.

something having the shape of an A

4.

a written or printed representation of the letter A or a

5.

a device, as a printer's type, for reproducing the letter A or a

6. See from A to Z

7. See not know from A to B

Word Frequency

-a in American English 1

suffix

a plural ending of nouns borrowed from Greek and Latin

phenomena

criteria

data

errata

genera

Word Frequency

-a in American English 2

suffix

a feminine singular ending of nouns borrowed from Latin and Greek, also used in Neo-Latin coinages to Latinize bases of any origin, and as a Latin substitute for the feminine ending -ē of Greek words

anabaena

cinchona

pachysandra

Word Frequency

-a in American English 3

suffix

an ending of personal names forming feminines from masculines

Georgia

Roberta

Word origin

[‹ L fem. -a ( see -a2), as Claudia, fem. of Claudius]

Word Frequency

-a in American English 4

suffix

a suffix designating the oxide of the chemical element denoted by the stem

alumina

ceria

thoria

Word origin

[prob. generalized from the -a of magnesia]

Word Frequency

a

(ə , STRONG eɪ ) or an (ən , STRONG æn )

A or an is the indefinite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups which refer to only one person or thing. The form an is used in front of words that begin with vowel sounds.

1. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to someone or something for the first time or when people may not know which particular person or thing you are talking about.

A waiter entered with a tray.

He started eating an apple.

Today you've got a new teacher taking you.

I manage a hotel.

2. determiner

You use a or an when you are referring to any person or thing of a particular type and do not want to be specific.

...expensive make-up that we saw being advertised by a beautiful model.

I suggest you leave it to an expert.

Bring a sleeping bag.

I was waiting for a bus.

3. determiner

You use a or an in front of an uncount noun when that noun follows an adjective, or when the noun is followed by words that describe it more fully.

There was a terrible sadness in her eyes.

He did have a real knowledge of the country.

First you have to develop an awareness of just what is happening.

4. determiner

You use a or an in front of a mass noun when you want to refer to a single type or make of something.

Bollinger 'RD' is a rare, highly prized wine.

5. determiner

You use a in quantifiers such as a lot, a little, and a bit.

I spend a lot on expensive jewelry and clothing.

I've come looking for a bit of advice.

6. determiner

You use a or an to refer to someone or something as a typical member of a group, class, or type.

Some parents believe a boy must learn to stand up and fight like a man.

...the operation a patient has had.

7. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of days, months, or festivals when you are referring to one particular instance of that day, month, or festival.

The interview took place on a Friday afternoon.

It was a Christmas when shoppers chose more practical gifts.

8. determiner

You use a or an when you are saying what someone is or what job they have.

I explained that I was an artist.

He was now a teacher and a respectable member of the community.

9. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people as a way of indicating that you do not know them or anything about them and you are saying their name for the first time.

The full address was that of a Mrs P. R. Slater of Peterborough.

10. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of the names of people when you want to refer to someone else who has the same qualities or character as the person named.

When I listen to her play I can hear a new Beethoven.

11. determiner [DET n-proper]

You use a or an in front of a surname when you want to refer to someone who belongs to the family with that surname.

As far as I can recall, Patti was a Smith.

12. determiner

You use a or an in front of the names of artists to refer to one individual painting or sculpture created by them.

Most people have very little difficulty in seeing why a Van Gogh is a work of genius.

13. determiner

You use a or an instead of the number 'one', especially with words of measurement such as ' hundred', 'hour', and 'metre', and with fractions such as 'half', ' quarter', and 'third'.

...more than a thousand acres of land.

...a quarter of an hour.

The skirts were shortened an inch or two.

14. determiner

You use a or an in expressions such as eight hours a day to express a rate or ratio.

Prices start at £13.95 a metre for printed cotton.

The helicopter can zip along at about 150 kilometres an hour.

English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘this car’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more, they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more

English Easy Learning GrammarThe indefinite articleThe indefinite article is a or an. The form an is used before a word that starts with a vowel sound.
a girl a cat
an eight-year-old girl an engineer
The ... Read more

Word Frequency

A

also a (eɪ ) (plural A's, a's )

1. variable noun

A is the first letter of the English alphabet.

2. variable noun

In music, A is the sixth note in the scale of C major.

3. variable noun

If you get an A as a mark for a piece of work or in an exam, your work is extremely good.

4.

A or a is used as an abbreviation for words beginning with a, such as 'acceleration', ' ampè re', or 'answer'.

5.

See from A to B

Word Frequency

a-

(eɪ- )

prefix

A- is added to the beginning of some adjectives in order to form adjectives that describe someone or something that does not have the feature or quality indicated by the original word.

I'm a completely apolitical man.

She was amoral but honest.

...asymmetrical shapes.

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Word Frequency

a in British English

or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural a's, A's or As

1.

the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet

2.

any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in take, bag, calm, shortage, or cobra

3. Also called: alpha

the first in a series, esp the highest grade or mark, as in an examination

4. from A to Z

Word Frequency

a in British English 1

(ə , stressed or emphatic eɪ )

determiner (indefinite article; used before an initial consonant)

1.

used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known

a dog

a terrible disappointment

2.

used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named

a Romeo

3.

used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity

a cupful

a dozen eggs

a great many

to read a lot

4.

used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided

half a loaf

a quarter of a minute

5. (preceded by once, twice, several times, etc)

each or every; per

once a day

two pounds fifty a pound

6.

a certain; one

to change policy at a stroke

a Mr Khan called

7. (preceded by not)

any at all

not a hope

Compare an1, the1

Word Frequency

a in British English 2

(ə )

verb

an informal or dialect word for have

they'd a said if they'd known

Word Frequency

a in British English 3

(ə )

preposition

(usually linked to the preceding noun) an informal form of of

sorta sad

a kinda waste

Word Frequency

a in British English 4

symbol for

1.

2.

are(s) ( metric measure of land)

3.

atto-

4. chess algebraic notation

Word Frequency

A in British English

symbol for

1. music

a.

a note having a frequency of 440 hertz (A above middle C) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major

b.

a key, string, or pipe producing this note

c.

the major or minor key having this note as its tonic

2.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen

3.

(in Britain) a major arterial road

the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth

4. (formerly, in Britain)

a.

a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see

b.

(as modifier)

an A film

5.

mass number

6.

the number 10 in hexadecimal notation

7. cards

8. chemistry

argon (now superseded by Ar)

9.

ampere(s)

10. Also: at

11.

absolute (temperature)

12.

(in circuit diagrams) ammeter

13.

area

14. (in combination)

atomic

an A-bomb

an A-plant

15. chemistry

16. biochemistry

17. logic

a universal affirmative categorical proposition, such as all men are mortal: often symbolized as SaP

Compare E, I2, O1

18.

a.

a person whose job is in top management, or who holds a senior administrative or professional position

b.

(as modifier)

an A worker

See also occupation groupings

abbreviation for

19.

Austria (international car registration)

Word origin

from Latin a(ffirmo) I affirm

Word Frequency

Å in British English

symbol for

angstrom unit

angstrom unit in British English

(ˈæŋstrəm ˈjuːnɪt)

noun

a unit of length equal to 10 −10 metre, used principally to express the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations. It is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre

another name for angstrom

Word Frequency

A. in British English

abbreviation for

1.

acre(s) or acreage

2.

America(n)

3.

Word Frequency

a' in British English

or aa or aw (ɔː )

determiner

Scottish variants of all

Word Frequency

a- in British English 1

or before a vowel an-

prefix

not; without; opposite to

atonal

asocial

Word origin

from Greek a-, an- not, without

Word Frequency

a- in British English 2

prefix

1.

on; in; towards

afoot

abed

aground

aback

2. literary or archaic (used before a present participle)

in the act or process of

come a-running

go a-hunting

3.

in the condition or state of

afloat

alive

asleep

Word Frequency

A in American English 1

(eɪ )

noun

1.

a blood type

see also ABO system

2. US, Education

a grade indicating excellence

an A in history

3. Music

a.

the sixth tone or note in the ascending scale of C major

b.

a key, string, etc. producing this tone

c.

the scale having this tone as the keynote

adjective

4.

first-class; A 1

see also A one

Word Frequency

A in American English 2

1. Physics

absolute

2.

adenine

3.

America(n)

4.

ampere

5.

6.

angstrom

: also Å

7.

8.

answer

9.

10. Chemistry; Archaic

argon

11. Baseball and Basketball and Hockey

assist(s)

12.

13.

Word Frequency

a in American English 1

(eɪ ) or A (eɪ )

nounWord forms: plural A's (eɪz ) or a's

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet: from the Greek alpha, a borrowing from the Phoenician

2.

any of the speech sounds that this letter represents, as, in English, the vowel ( (æ) ) of hat, ( (ɑ) ) of father, ( (eɪ) ) of bake, or ( (ɔ) ) of call

3.

a type or impression for a or A

4.

the first in a sequence or group

5.

an object shaped like A

adjective

6.

of a or A

7.

first in a sequence or group

8.

shaped like A

Idioms:

Word Frequency

a in American English 2

(ə ; stressed, eɪ )

adjective, indefinite article

1.

one; one sort of

we planted a tree

2.

each; any one [a gun is dangerous]

a connotes a thing not previously noted or recognized, in contrast with the, which connotes a thing previously noted or recognized

preposition

3.

to each; in each; for each; per

once a day

▶ USAGE: Before words beginning with a consonant sound or a sounded h, a is used [a child, a home, a uniform, a eunuch]; before words beginning with a vowel sound or a silent h, an is used [an ultimatum, an honor]

Word origin

form of an before consonants: see an1

Word Frequency

a in American English 3

(ɔ ; ɑ ) or a' (ɔ ; ɑ )

adjective

Scottish

all

Word Frequency

a in American English 4

1.

about

2.

3. Physics

acceleration

4.

active

5.

adjective

6.

adult

7.

8.

9.

answer

10.

are (unit of area)

11.

atto-

Word Frequency

a- in American English 1

(ə )

1.

in, into, on, at, to

ashore, abed

2.

in the act or state of

asleep, a-crying, a-wishing

Word origin

weakened form of OE an, on, in, on

Word Frequency

a- in American English 2

(ə ; for 3 eɪ )

1.

up, out: now generally used as an intensive

awake, arise

2.

off, of

akin

3.

not, without

it becomes an- before a vowel

amoral, atypical

4.

used before m, p, or v

avert

5.

used before sc, sp, or st

ascribe

Word origin

(sense 1) OE a-, out of, up; (sense 2) OE of-, af-; (sense 3) Gr a-, an-, not

Word Frequency

A in American English

(ei) or a (ei)

nounWord forms: plural A's or As, a's or as

1.

the first letter of the English alphabet, a vowel

2.

any spoken sound represented by the letter A or a, as in bake, hat, father, or small

3.

something having the shape of an A

4.

a written or printed representation of the letter A or a

5.

a device, as a printer's type, for reproducing the letter A or a

6. See from A to Z

7. See not know from A to B

Word Frequency

-a in American English 1

suffix

a plural ending of nouns borrowed from Greek and Latin

phenomena

criteria

data

errata

genera

Word Frequency

-a in American English 2

suffix

a feminine singular ending of nouns borrowed from Latin and Greek, also used in Neo-Latin coinages to Latinize bases of any origin, and as a Latin substitute for the feminine ending -ē of Greek words

anabaena

cinchona

pachysandra

Word Frequency

-a in American English 3

suffix

an ending of personal names forming feminines from masculines

Georgia

Roberta

Word origin

[‹ L fem. -a ( see -a2), as Claudia, fem. of Claudius]

Word Frequency

-a in American English 4

suffix

a suffix designating the oxide of the chemical element denoted by the stem

alumina

ceria

thoria

Word origin

[prob. generalized from the -a of magnesia]

Word Frequency

aa in British English 1

(ˈɑːɑː )

noun

a volcanic rock consisting of angular blocks of lava with a very rough surface

Word origin

Hawaiian

Word Frequency

aa in British English 2

abbreviation for

ana1

Word Frequency

AA in British English

abbreviation for

1.

Alcoholics Anonymous

2.

anti-aircraft

3.

Architectural Association

4.

(in Britain) Automobile Association

5.

(in Britain) Advertising Association

symbol for

6.

(in Britain, formerly) a film that may not be shown publicly to a child under fourteen

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Word Frequency

AA in American English

1.

Alcoholics Anonymous

2.

antiaircraft

3.

Associate in (or of) Arts

Word Frequency

aa in American English

(ˈɑˌɑ )

US

noun

a type of basaltic rock, usually dark-colored with a jagged surface, formed in large sheets from slow-moving lava

aa in British English 1

(ˈɑːɑː )

noun

a volcanic rock consisting of angular blocks of lava with a very rough surface

Word origin

Hawaiian

Word Frequency

aa in British English 2

abbreviation for

ana1

Word Frequency

AA in British English

abbreviation for

1.

Alcoholics Anonymous

2.

anti-aircraft

3.

Architectural Association

4.

(in Britain) Automobile Association

5.

(in Britain) Advertising Association

symbol for

6.

(in Britain, formerly) a film that may not be shown publicly to a child under fourteen

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Word Frequency

AA in American English

1.

Alcoholics Anonymous

2.

antiaircraft

3.

Associate in (or of) Arts

Word Frequency

aa in American English

(ˈɑˌɑ )

US

noun

a type of basaltic rock, usually dark-colored with a jagged surface, formed in large sheets from slow-moving lava

AAA in British English

abbreviation for

1. (in Britain)

Amateur Athletic Association

2.

anti-aircraft artillery

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Word Frequency

AAA in American English

trademark

American Automobile Association

Word Frequency

AAA in American English 1

abbreviation

1.

Agricultural Adjustment Administration

2.

Amateur Athletic Association

3.

American Automobile Association

4.

antiaircraft artillery

5.

Automobile Association of America

Word Frequency

AAA in American English 2

symbol

1.

a proportional shoe width size, narrower than AA

2.

the highest quality rating for a corporate or municipal bond

3. Electricity

a battery size for 1.5 volt dry cells: diameter, 0.4 in. (1 cm); length 1.7 in. (4.3 cm)

Word Frequency

A.A.A. in American English

abbreviation

1.

Amateur Athletic Association

2.

American Automobile Association

3.

Automobile Association of America

Word Frequency

AAA in British English

abbreviation for

1. (in Britain)

Amateur Athletic Association

2.

anti-aircraft artillery

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Word Frequency

AAA in American English

trademark

American Automobile Association

Word Frequency

AAA in American English 1

abbreviation

1.

Agricultural Adjustment Administration

2.

Amateur Athletic Association

3.

American Automobile Association

4.

antiaircraft artillery

5.

Automobile Association of America

Word Frequency

AAA in American English 2

symbol

1.

a proportional shoe width size, narrower than AA

2.

the highest quality rating for a corporate or municipal bond

3. Electricity

a battery size for 1.5 volt dry cells: diameter, 0.4 in. (1 cm); length 1.7 in. (4.3 cm)

Word Frequency

A.A.A. in American English

abbreviation

1.

Amateur Athletic Association

2.

American Automobile Association

3.

Automobile Association of America

Word Frequency

Aachen in British English

(ˈɑːkən , German ˈaːxən)

noun

a city and spa in W Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia: the northern capital of Charlemagne's empire. Pop: 256 605 (2003 est)

French name: Aix-la-Chapelle

Image of
Aachen

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Word Frequency

Aachen in American English

(ˈɑkən ; German ˈɑxən)

city in North Rhine-Westphalia, W Germany, on the Belgian border: pop. 246,000

aah

(ɑː )

ah

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Word Frequency

aah in British English

(ɑː)

verb (intransitive)

informal

to exclaim in pleasure or surprise

Word Frequency

aah in American English

(ɑ )

interjection

1.

used to express surprise, delight, etc.

verb intransitive

2.

to exclaim with surprise, delight, etc.

they oohed and aahed at the baby

Word Frequency

aah

(ɑː )

ah

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Word Frequency

aah in British English

(ɑː)

verb (intransitive)

informal

to exclaim in pleasure or surprise

Word Frequency

aah in American English

(ɑ )

interjection

1.

used to express surprise, delight, etc.

verb intransitive

2.

to exclaim with surprise, delight, etc.

they oohed and aahed at the baby

Word Frequency

aah

(ɑː )

ah

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Word Frequency

aah in British English

(ɑː)

verb (intransitive)

informal

to exclaim in pleasure or surprise

Word Frequency

aah in American English

(ɑ )

interjection

1.

used to express surprise, delight, etc.

verb intransitive

2.

to exclaim with surprise, delight, etc.

they oohed and aahed at the baby

Word Frequency

Aalborg in British English

or Ålborg (Danish ˈɔlbɔr)

noun

a city and port in Denmark, in N Jutland. Pop: 121 549 (2004 est)

Image of
Aalborg

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Word Frequency

Aalborg in American English

(ˈɔlˌbɔrg ; ˈɔlˌbɔr )

alt. sp. of

Ålborg

Word Frequency

Aalst in British English

(Flemish aːlst )

noun

a town in central Belgium, in East Flanders province. Pop: 76 852 (2004 est)

French name: Alost

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Word Frequency

Aalst in American English

(ɑlst )

city in WC Belgium, near Brussels: pop. 76,000

Word Frequency

Aalto in British English

(Finnish ˈɑːltɔ)

noun

Alvar (ˈalvar). 1898–1976, Finnish architect and furniture designer, noted particularly for his public and industrial buildings. He invented bent plywood furniture (1932)

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Word Frequency

Aalto in American English

(ˈɑlˌtɔ )

ˈ( Hugo) Alvar (Henrik) (ˈɑlˌvɑr ) 1898-1976; Finn. architect & furniture designer

Word Frequency

AAM in British English

abbreviation for

1.

air-to-air missile

2. messaging & social media

as a matter of fact

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Word Frequency

AAM in American English

air-to-air missile

Word Frequency

AAM in British English

abbreviation for

1.

air-to-air missile

2. messaging & social media

as a matter of fact

You may also like

Word Frequency

AAM in American English

air-to-air missile

A & R in British English

abbreviation for

artists and repertoire

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A & R in American English

Artist(s) and Repertoire: with reference to those officials of commercial recording companies who select the performers and supervise the production of recordings

Word Frequency

AAR in British English

insurance

abbreviation for

against all risks

You may also like

Word Frequency

Aar in American English

(ɑʀ)

var. of

Aare

Word Frequency

aardvark in British English

(ˈɑːdˌvɑːk )

noun

a nocturnal mammal, Orycteropus afer, the sole member of its family (Orycteropodidae) and order (Tubulidentata). It inhabits the grasslands of Africa, has a long snout, and feeds on termites

Also called: ant bear

Word origin

C19: from obsolete Afrikaans, from aarde earth + varken pig

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Word Frequency

aardvark in American English

(ˈɑrdˌvɑrk )

noun

a large, burrowing, nocturnal S African mammal (Orycteropus afer, order Tubulidentata) that feeds on ants and termites: it is squat and heavy with a long, sticky tongue and a long head ending in a round, piglike snout

Word origin

obs. Afrik, earth pig < Du aarde, earth + vark, pig, pork

Word Frequency

aardvark in British English

(ˈɑːdˌvɑːk )

noun

a nocturnal mammal, Orycteropus afer, the sole member of its family (Orycteropodidae) and order (Tubulidentata). It inhabits the grasslands of Africa, has a long snout, and feeds on termites

Also called: ant bear

Word origin

C19: from obsolete Afrikaans, from aarde earth + varken pig

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Word Frequency

aardvark in American English

(ˈɑrdˌvɑrk )

noun

a large, burrowing, nocturnal S African mammal (Orycteropus afer, order Tubulidentata) that feeds on ants and termites: it is squat and heavy with a long, sticky tongue and a long head ending in a round, piglike snout

Word origin

obs. Afrik, earth pig < Du aarde, earth + vark, pig, pork

Word Frequency

aardwolf in British English

(ˈɑːdˌwʊlf )

nounWord forms: plural -wolves

a nocturnal mammal, Proteles cristatus, that inhabits the plains of southern Africa and feeds on termites and insect larvae: family Hyaenidae ( hyenas), order Carnivora ( carnivores)

Word origin

C19: from Afrikaans, from aarde earth + wolf wolf

Image of
aardwolf

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Word Frequency

aardwolf in American English

(ˈɑrdˌwʊlf )

nounWord forms: plural ˈaardˌwolves (ˈɑrdˌwʊlvz )

a nocturnal S African carnivore (Proteles cristatus) of the same family as the hyena, that feeds chiefly on termites and insect larvae

Word origin

Afrik, earth wolf

Word Frequency

Aargau in British English

(German ˈaːrɡau)

noun

a canton in N Switzerland. Capital: Aarau. Pop: 556 200 (2002 est). Area: 1404 sq km (542 sq miles)

French name: Argovie

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Word Frequency

Aargau in American English

(ˈɑʀˌgaʊ)

canton of N Switzerland: 542 sq mi (1,404 sq km); pop. 524,000

aargh in British English

(ɑː)

exclamation

informal

a cry of pain

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aargh in American English

( conventionalized pronun. ɑr: )

interjection

used to express disgust, nausea, or any other forceful negative reaction

Word origin

echoic

Word Frequency

Aarhus in British English

or Århus (Danish ˈʌhuːs)

noun

a city and port in Denmark, in E Jutland. Pop: 228 547 (2004 est)

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Word Frequency

Aarhus in American English

(ˈɔʀˌhus)

alt. sp. of

Århus

Word Frequency

Aaron in British English

(ˈɛərən )

noun

Old Testament

the first high priest of the Israelites, brother of Moses ( Exodus 4:14)

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Word Frequency

Aaron in American English 1

(ˈɛrən ; ˈærən )

noun

1.

a masculine name

2. Bible

the older brother of Moses and first high priest of the Hebrews: Ex. 4, 40:13-16

Word origin

LL < Gr Aarōn < Heb aharon, lit., the exalted one

Word Frequency

Aaron in American English 2

(ˈɛrən ; ˈærən )

Hank (born Henry Louis Aaron) 1934- ; U.S. baseball player

Word Frequency

Aaron in British English

(ˈɛərən )

noun

Old Testament

the first high priest of the Israelites, brother of Moses ( Exodus 4:14)

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Word Frequency

Aaron in American English 1

(ˈɛrən ; ˈærən )

noun

1.

a masculine name

2. Bible

the older brother of Moses and first high priest of the Hebrews: Ex. 4, 40:13-16

Word origin

LL < Gr Aarōn < Heb aharon, lit., the exalted one

Word Frequency

Aaron in American English 2

(ˈɛrən ; ˈærən )

Hank (born Henry Louis Aaron) 1934- ; U.S. baseball player

Word Frequency

Aaronic in British English

(ɛəˈrɒnɪk )

adjective

1.

of or relating to Aaron, his family, or the priestly dynasty initiated by him

2.

of or relating to the Israelite high priesthood

3.

of or relating to the priesthood in general

4.

denoting or relating to the second order of the priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ( Mormon Church)

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Word Frequency

Aaronic in American English

(ɛrˈɑnɪk ; ærˈɑnɪk )

adjective

1.

of or characteristic of Aaron

2.

Levitical

3. US, LDS Church

designating or of the second, and lesser, order of priests

Aaronic in British English

(ɛəˈrɒnɪk )

adjective

1.

of or relating to Aaron, his family, or the priestly dynasty initiated by him

2.

of or relating to the Israelite high priesthood

3.

of or relating to the priesthood in general

4.

denoting or relating to the second order of the priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ( Mormon Church)

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Word Frequency

Aaronic in American English

(ɛrˈɑnɪk ; ærˈɑnɪk )

adjective

1.

of or characteristic of Aaron

2.

Levitical

3. US, LDS Church

designating or of the second, and lesser, order of priests

AARP in British English

noun

(in the US)

an organization that supports citizens over the age of 50

Over the next 30 years rising life expectancy and falling birthrates will combine to produce what James Holland of the AARP calls a 'demographic revolution'

Former name: American Association of Retired Persons

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Word Frequency

AARP in American English

American Association of Retired Persons

Word Frequency

AAU in British English

US

abbreviation for

Amateur Athletic Union

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Word Frequency

AAU in American English

Amateur Athletic Union

Word Frequency

AAUP in British English

US

abbreviation for

American Association of University Professors

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Word Frequency

AAUP in American English

American Association of University Professors

Word Frequency

AB

(eɪ biː )

Word forms: plural ABs

countable noun

In some American universities, an AB is the same as a BA.

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Word Frequency

Ab in British English

(æb )

noun

a variant of Av

Word Frequency

AB in British English

abbreviation for

1. Also: a.b.

2.

(in the US) Bachelor of Arts

3.

(esp in postal addresses) Alberta ( Canada)

symbol for

4.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing both the A antigen and the B antigen

Word Frequency

ab- in British English 1

prefix

away from; off; outside of; opposite to

abnormal

abaxial

aboral

Word origin

from Latin ab away from

Word Frequency

ab- in British English 2

prefix

denoting a cgs unit of measurement in the electromagnetic system

abvolt

Word origin

abstracted from absolute

Word Frequency

AB in American English 1

(ˈeɪˈbi )

noun

a blood type

see also ABO system

Word Frequency

AB in American English 2

1.

2.

Alberta (Canada)

3. Baseball

(times) at bat

: also ab

4.

Bachelor of Arts

: also A.B.

Word origin

(sense 4) ModL Artium Baccalaureus

Word Frequency

Ab in American English

(ɑb ; Hebrew ɑv )

noun

the eleventh month of the Jewish year

Word Frequency

ab- in American English

(æb ; əb )

away, from, from off, down

abdicate

▶ USAGE: It becomes a- before m, p, or v and often abs- before c or t

Word origin

L

Word Frequency

AB

(eɪ biː )

Word forms: plural ABs

countable noun

In some American universities, an AB is the same as a BA.

You may also like

Word Frequency

Ab in British English

(æb )

noun

a variant of Av

Word Frequency

AB in British English

abbreviation for

1. Also: a.b.

2.

(in the US) Bachelor of Arts

3.

(esp in postal addresses) Alberta ( Canada)

symbol for

4.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing both the A antigen and the B antigen

Word Frequency

ab- in British English 1

prefix

away from; off; outside of; opposite to

abnormal

abaxial

aboral

Word origin

from Latin ab away from

Word Frequency

ab- in British English 2

prefix

denoting a cgs unit of measurement in the electromagnetic system

abvolt

Word origin

abstracted from absolute

Word Frequency

AB in American English 1

(ˈeɪˈbi )

noun

a blood type

see also ABO system

Word Frequency

AB in American English 2

1.

2.

Alberta (Canada)

3. Baseball

(times) at bat

: also ab

4.

Bachelor of Arts

: also A.B.

Word origin

(sense 4) ModL Artium Baccalaureus

Word Frequency

Ab in American English

(ɑb ; Hebrew ɑv )

noun

the eleventh month of the Jewish year

Word Frequency

ab- in American English

(æb ; əb )

away, from, from off, down

abdicate

▶ USAGE: It becomes a- before m, p, or v and often abs- before c or t

Word origin

L

Word Frequency

AB

(eɪ biː )

Word forms: plural ABs

countable noun

In some American universities, an AB is the same as a BA.

You may also like

Word Frequency

Ab in British English

(æb )

noun

a variant of Av

Word Frequency

AB in British English

abbreviation for

1. Also: a.b.

2.

(in the US) Bachelor of Arts

3.

(esp in postal addresses) Alberta ( Canada)

symbol for

4.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing both the A antigen and the B antigen

Word Frequency

ab- in British English 1

prefix

away from; off; outside of; opposite to

abnormal

abaxial

aboral

Word origin

from Latin ab away from

Word Frequency

ab- in British English 2

prefix

denoting a cgs unit of measurement in the electromagnetic system

abvolt

Word origin

abstracted from absolute

Word Frequency

AB in American English 1

(ˈeɪˈbi )

noun

a blood type

see also ABO system

Word Frequency

AB in American English 2

1.

2.

Alberta (Canada)

3. Baseball

(times) at bat

: also ab

4.

Bachelor of Arts

: also A.B.

Word origin

(sense 4) ModL Artium Baccalaureus

Word Frequency

Ab in American English

(ɑb ; Hebrew ɑv )

noun

the eleventh month of the Jewish year

Word Frequency

ab- in American English

(æb ; əb )

away, from, from off, down

abdicate

▶ USAGE: It becomes a- before m, p, or v and often abs- before c or t

Word origin

L

Word Frequency

AB

(eɪ biː )

Word forms: plural ABs

countable noun

In some American universities, an AB is the same as a BA.

You may also like

Word Frequency

Ab in British English

(æb )

noun

a variant of Av

Word Frequency

AB in British English

abbreviation for

1. Also: a.b.

2.

(in the US) Bachelor of Arts

3.

(esp in postal addresses) Alberta ( Canada)

symbol for

4.

a human blood type of the ABO group, containing both the A antigen and the B antigen

Word Frequency

ab- in British English 1

prefix

away from; off; outside of; opposite to

abnormal

abaxial

aboral

Word origin

from Latin ab away from

Word Frequency

ab- in British English 2

prefix

denoting a cgs unit of measurement in the electromagnetic system

abvolt

Word origin

abstracted from absolute

Word Frequency

AB in American English 1

(ˈeɪˈbi )

noun

a blood type

see also ABO system

Word Frequency

AB in American English 2

1.

2.

Alberta (Canada)

3. Baseball

(times) at bat

: also ab

4.

Bachelor of Arts

: also A.B.

Word origin

(sense 4) ModL Artium Baccalaureus

Word Frequency

Ab in American English

(ɑb ; Hebrew ɑv )

noun

the eleventh month of the Jewish year

Word Frequency

ab- in American English

(æb ; əb )

away, from, from off, down

abdicate

▶ USAGE: It becomes a- before m, p, or v and often abs- before c or t

Word origin

L

aba in British English

(ˈæbə )

noun

1.

a type of cloth from Syria, made of goat hair or camel hair

2.

a sleeveless outer garment of such cloth

Word origin

from Arabic

ABA in British English

abbreviation for

1.

(in Britain) Amateur Boxing Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

3.

applied behaviour analysis

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ABA in American English

1.

American Bar Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

aba in American English

(ˈɑbə ; əˈbɑ )

noun

1.

a coarse fabric of wool or hair fiber with a felted finish

2.

a loose, sleeveless robe worn by Arabs

Word origin

Ar ʿabāʾ, cloak-like woolen wrap

ABA in Finance

(eɪ bi eɪ) or American Bankers Association

abbreviation

(Finance: Banking)

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

The ABA has lobbied long and hard for involuntary taxpayer financial support and additional bank tax breaks.

The money had not been transferred because no one at the branch knew the ABA code for the branch in Texas.

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

PronunciationThree-letter abbreviations are usually pronounced as separate letters with the main stress on the last syllable.ABA ( / eɪ bi eɪ/)CDO ( /si di oʊ/)FRB ( /ɛf ar bi/)RSU ( /ar ɛs yu/)

Word Frequency

aba in British English

(ˈæbə )

noun

1.

a type of cloth from Syria, made of goat hair or camel hair

2.

a sleeveless outer garment of such cloth

Word origin

from Arabic

Word Frequency

ABA in British English

abbreviation for

1.

(in Britain) Amateur Boxing Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

3.

applied behaviour analysis

You may also like

Word Frequency

ABA in American English

1.

American Bar Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

Word Frequency

aba in American English

(ˈɑbə ; əˈbɑ )

noun

1.

a coarse fabric of wool or hair fiber with a felted finish

2.

a loose, sleeveless robe worn by Arabs

Word origin

Ar ʿabāʾ, cloak-like woolen wrap

Word Frequency

ABA in Finance

(eɪ bi eɪ) or American Bankers Association

abbreviation

(Finance: Banking)

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

The ABA has lobbied long and hard for involuntary taxpayer financial support and additional bank tax breaks.

The money had not been transferred because no one at the branch knew the ABA code for the branch in Texas.

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

PronunciationThree-letter abbreviations are usually pronounced as separate letters with the main stress on the last syllable.ABA ( / eɪ bi eɪ/)CDO ( /si di oʊ/)FRB ( /ɛf ar bi/)RSU ( /ar ɛs yu/)

aba in British English

(ˈæbə )

noun

1.

a type of cloth from Syria, made of goat hair or camel hair

2.

a sleeveless outer garment of such cloth

Word origin

from Arabic

ABA in British English

abbreviation for

1.

(in Britain) Amateur Boxing Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

3.

applied behaviour analysis

You may also like

ABA in American English

1.

American Bar Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

aba in American English

(ˈɑbə ; əˈbɑ )

noun

1.

a coarse fabric of wool or hair fiber with a felted finish

2.

a loose, sleeveless robe worn by Arabs

Word origin

Ar ʿabāʾ, cloak-like woolen wrap

ABA in Finance

(eɪ bi eɪ) or American Bankers Association

abbreviation

(Finance: Banking)

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

The ABA has lobbied long and hard for involuntary taxpayer financial support and additional bank tax breaks.

The money had not been transferred because no one at the branch knew the ABA code for the branch in Texas.

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

PronunciationThree-letter abbreviations are usually pronounced as separate letters with the main stress on the last syllable.ABA ( / eɪ bi eɪ/)CDO ( /si di oʊ/)FRB ( /ɛf ar bi/)RSU ( /ar ɛs yu/)

Word Frequency

Addis Ababa in British English

(ˈædɪs ˈæbəbə )

noun

the capital of Ethiopia, on a central plateau 2400 m (8000 ft) above sea level: founded in 1887; became capital in 1896. Pop: 3 237 525 (2015 est)

Image of
Addis Ababa

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Word Frequency

Addis Ababa in American English

(ˌædɪs ˈæbəbə )

capital of Ethiopia, in the central part: pop. 1,700,000

Word Frequency

abaca in British English

or abaka (ˈæbəkə )

noun

1.

a Philippine plant, Musa textilis, related to the banana: family Musaceae. Its leafstalks are the source of Manila hemp

2. another name for Manila hemp

Word origin

via Spanish from Tagalog abaká

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Word Frequency

abacá in American English

(ˌæbəˈkɑ ; ˌ ɑbəˈkɑ )

noun see also Manila hemp

Word origin

Tag

Word Frequency

abaca in British English

or abaka (ˈæbəkə )

noun

1.

a Philippine plant, Musa textilis, related to the banana: family Musaceae. Its leafstalks are the source of Manila hemp

2. another name for Manila hemp

Word origin

via Spanish from Tagalog abaká

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Word Frequency

abacá in American English

(ˌæbəˈkɑ ; ˌ ɑbəˈkɑ )

noun see also Manila hemp

Word origin

Tag

Word Frequency

aback

(əbæk )

See to be taken aback

Video: pronunciation of
aback

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Word Frequency

aback in British English

(əˈbæk )

adverb

1. taken aback

2. rare

towards the back; backwards

Word origin

Old English on bæc to the back

Word Frequency

aback in American English

(əˈbæk )

adverb

1. Archaic

backward; back

2. Nautical

backward against the mast, as the sails of a square-rigged vessel in a wind from straight ahead

Idioms:

taken aback

Word origin

OE on bæc, at or on the back

Word Frequency

abacterial in British English

(eɪbækˈtɪərɪəl)

adjective

not caused by or characterized by the presence of bacteria

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Word Frequency

abacterial in American English

(ˌeibækˈtɪəriəl)

adjective

not caused by or free from the presence of bacteria

Word origin

[1930–35; a-6 + bacterial]This word is first recorded in the period 1930–35. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: DNA, acoustic phonetics, cloverleaf, saddle stitch, uncertainty principle

Word Frequency

abacus

(æbəkəs )

Word forms: plural abacuses

countable noun

An abacus is a frame used for counting. It has rods with sliding beads on them.

Image of
abacus

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'abacus'

Word Frequency

abacus in British English

(ˈæbəkəs )

nounWord forms: plural -ci (-ˌsaɪ) or -cuses

1.

a counting device that consists of a frame holding rods on which a specific number of beads are free to move. Each rod designates a given denomination, such as units, tens, hundreds, etc, in the decimal system, and each bead represents a digit or a specific number of digits

2. architecture

the flat upper part of the capital of a column

Word origin

C16: from Latin, from Greek abax board covered with sand for tracing calculations, from Hebrew ābhāq dust

Word Frequency

abacus in American English

(ˈæbəkəs ; occas. əˈbækəs )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabacuses or ˈabaˌci (ˈæbəˌsaɪ )

1.

a frame with beads or balls that can be slid on wires or in slots, for doing or teaching arithmetic

2. Architecture

a slab forming the uppermost part of the capital of a column

Word origin

L < Gr abax (gen. abakos), counting board, slab

Word Frequency

Abadan in British English

(ˌæbəˈdɑːn )

noun

a port in SW Iran, on an island in the Shatt al Arab delta. Pop: 307 000 (2005 est)

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Word Frequency

Abadán in American English

(ˌɑbəˈdɑn ; ˌ æbəˈdæn )

1.

island in the Shatt-al-Arab, SW Iran: 42 mi (68 km) long

2.

city on this island: an oil-refining center: pop. 85,000

Word Frequency

Abaddon in British English

(əˈbædən )

noun

1.

the Devil ( Revelation 9:11)

2.

(in rabbinical literature) a part of Gehenna; Hell

Word origin

Hebrew, literally: destruction

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Word Frequency

Abaddon in American English

(əˈbædən )

noun Bible

1.

the place of the dead; nether world: Job 26:6

2.

in Revelation, the angel of the abyss; Apollyon: Rev. 9:11

Word origin

Heb, destruction, abyss

Word Frequency

Abaddon in British English

(əˈbædən )

noun

1.

the Devil ( Revelation 9:11)

2.

(in rabbinical literature) a part of Gehenna; Hell

Word origin

Hebrew, literally: destruction

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Word Frequency

Abaddon in American English

(əˈbædən )

noun Bible

1.

the place of the dead; nether world: Job 26:6

2.

in Revelation, the angel of the abyss; Apollyon: Rev. 9:11

Word origin

Heb, destruction, abyss

Word Frequency

abaft in British English

(əˈbɑːft ) nautical

adverb, adjective (postpositive)

1.

closer to the stern than to another place on a vessel

with the wind abaft

preposition

2.

behind; aft of

abaft the mast

Word origin

C13: on baft; baft from Old English beæftan, from be by + æftan behind

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Word Frequency

abaft in American English

(əˈbæft ; əˈbɑft )

adverb

1.

at or toward the stern or rear of a ship; aft

preposition

2. Nautical

to the rear of; behind

located just abaft the bridge

Word origin

ME o baft < OE on, on + bæftan < be, by + æftan, aft1

Word Frequency

abaca in British English

or abaka (ˈæbəkə )

noun

1.

a Philippine plant, Musa textilis, related to the banana: family Musaceae. Its leafstalks are the source of Manila hemp

2. another name for Manila hemp

Word origin

via Spanish from Tagalog abaká

You may also like

Word Frequency

abacá in American English

(ˌæbəˈkɑ ; ˌ ɑbəˈkɑ )

noun see also Manila hemp

Word origin

Tag

Word Frequency

abalone

(æbəloʊni )

Word forms: plural abalones

variable noun

Abalone is a shellfish that you can eat and that has a shiny substance called mother-of-pearl inside its shell.

Image of
abalone

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Word Frequency

abalone in British English

(ˌæbəˈləʊnɪ )

noun

any of various edible marine gastropod molluscs of the genus Haliotis, having an ear-shaped shell that is perforated with a row of respiratory holes. The shells are used for ornament or decoration

Also called: ear shell, haliotis. See also ormer

Word origin

C19: from American Spanish abulón; origin unknown

Word Frequency

abalone in American English

(ˌæbəˈloʊni )

US

noun

any of a family (Haliotidae) of edible gastropod sea mollusks with an oval, somewhat spiral shell perforated near the edge and lined with mother-of-pearl

Word origin

Calif. MexSp aulón < Costanoan (a Penutian language) aulun

Word Frequency

abalone

(æbəloʊni )

Word forms: plural abalones

variable noun

Abalone is a shellfish that you can eat and that has a shiny substance called mother-of-pearl inside its shell.

Image of
abalone

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Word Frequency

abalone in British English

(ˌæbəˈləʊnɪ )

noun

any of various edible marine gastropod molluscs of the genus Haliotis, having an ear-shaped shell that is perforated with a row of respiratory holes. The shells are used for ornament or decoration

Also called: ear shell, haliotis. See also ormer

Word origin

C19: from American Spanish abulón; origin unknown

Word Frequency

abalone in American English

(ˌæbəˈloʊni )

US

noun

any of a family (Haliotidae) of edible gastropod sea mollusks with an oval, somewhat spiral shell perforated near the edge and lined with mother-of-pearl

Word origin

Calif. MexSp aulón < Costanoan (a Penutian language) aulun

Word Frequency

abampere in British English

(æbˈæmpɛə )

noun

the cgs unit of current in the electromagnetic system; the constant current that, when flowing through two parallel straight infinitely long conductors 1 centimetre apart, will produce a force between them of 2 dynes per centimetre: equivalent to 10 amperes

Abbreviation: abamp

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Word Frequency

abampere in American English

(æbˈæmpɪər, ˌæbæmˈpɪər)

noun

Electricity

the centimeter-gram-second unit of electromagnetic current, equivalent to 10 amperes

Word origin

[ab- (prefix used for a centimeter-gram-second electromagnetic unit) + ampere]

Word Frequency

abampere in British English

(æbˈæmpɛə )

noun

the cgs unit of current in the electromagnetic system; the constant current that, when flowing through two parallel straight infinitely long conductors 1 centimetre apart, will produce a force between them of 2 dynes per centimetre: equivalent to 10 amperes

Abbreviation: abamp

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Word Frequency

abampere in American English

(æbˈæmpɪər, ˌæbæmˈpɪər)

noun

Electricity

the centimeter-gram-second unit of electromagnetic current, equivalent to 10 amperes

Word origin

[ab- (prefix used for a centimeter-gram-second electromagnetic unit) + ampere]

Word Frequency

abampere in British English

(æbˈæmpɛə )

noun

the cgs unit of current in the electromagnetic system; the constant current that, when flowing through two parallel straight infinitely long conductors 1 centimetre apart, will produce a force between them of 2 dynes per centimetre: equivalent to 10 amperes

Abbreviation: abamp

You may also like

Word Frequency

abampere in American English

(æbˈæmpɪər, ˌæbæmˈpɪər)

noun

Electricity

the centimeter-gram-second unit of electromagnetic current, equivalent to 10 amperes

Word origin

[ab- (prefix used for a centimeter-gram-second electromagnetic unit) + ampere]

Word Frequency

abandon

(əbændən )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abandons , present participle abandoning , past tense, past participle abandoned

1. verb

If you abandon a place, thing, or person, you leave the place, thing, or person permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so.

He claimed that his parents had abandoned him. [VERB noun]

The road is strewn with abandoned vehicles. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: leave, strand, ditch [slang], leave behind More Synonyms of abandon

2. verb

If you abandon an activity or piece of work, you stop doing it before it is finished.

The authorities have abandoned any attempt to distribute food. [VERB noun]

The scheme's investors, fearful of bankruptcy, decided to abandon the project. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: stop, drop, give up, halt More Synonyms of abandon

3. verb

If you abandon an idea or way of thinking, you stop having that idea or thinking in that way.

Logic had prevailed and he had abandoned the idea. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you abandon yourself to an emotion, you think about it a lot and feel it strongly, especially when other people might think you are wrong to do so.

We are scared to abandon ourselves to our feelings in case we seem weak or out of control. [V pron-refl to n]

5. uncountable noun [usu with N]

If you say that someone does something with abandon, you mean that they behave in a wild, uncontrolled way and do not think or care about how they should behave.

[disapproval]

He has spent money with gay abandon.

Their permissiveness toward their children reflects the wild abandon of their own lives.

Synonyms: recklessness, dash, wildness, wantonness More Synonyms of abandon

6. See also abandoned

7.

See abandon ship

More Synonyms of abandon

Video: pronunciation of
abandon

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Word Frequency

abandon in British English

(əˈbændən )

verb (transitive)

1.

to forsake completely; desert; leave behind

to abandon a baby

drivers had to abandon their cars

2. abandon ship

3.

to give up completely

to abandon a habit

to abandon hope

4.

to yield control of or concern in; relinquish

to abandon office

5.

to give up (something begun) before completion

to abandon a job

the game was abandoned

6.

to surrender (oneself) to emotion without restraint

7.

to give ( insured property that has suffered partial loss or damage) to the insurers in order that a claim for a total loss may be made

noun

8.

freedom from inhibitions, restraint, concern, or worry

she danced with abandon

Derived forms

abandonment (aˈbandonment)

noun

Word origin

C14: abandounen (vb), from Old French, from a bandon under one's control, in one's power, from a at, to + bandon control, power

Word Frequency

abandon in American English

(əˈbændən )

verb transitive

1.

to give up (something) completely or forever

to abandon all hope

2.

to leave, as in danger or out of necessity; forsake; desert

3.

to yield (oneself) completely, as to a feeling, desire, etc.

noun

4.

unrestrained freedom of action or emotion; surrender to one's impulses

to shout in wild abandon

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈlinquish

SYNONYMY NOTE: abandon implies leaving a person or thing, either as a final, necessary measure [to abandon a drought area] or as a complete rejection of one's responsibilities, claims, etc. [she abandoned her child]; desert1 emphasizes leaving in willful violation, as of one's obligation or oath [the soldier deserted his post]; forsake stresses renouncing a person or thing formerly dear to one [to forsake one's friends or ideals]; quit, basically implying to leave or give up, is now commonly used to mean stop [she quit her job]

OPPOSITE: reclaim

Derived forms

abandonment (aˈbandonment)

noun

Word origin

ME abandonen < OFr abandoner < mettre a bandon, to put under (someone else's) ban, relinquish: see ban1

Word Frequency

abandon in Insurance

(əbændən)

Word forms: (present) abandons, (past) abandoned, (perfect) abandoned, (progressive) abandoning

verb

(Insurance: Claims)

If you abandon insured property that has suffered partial loss or damage, you give it to the insurers so that a claim for a total loss may be made.

COLLOCATIONS: ~ a ship~ a property~ a vehicle

Under such conditions, the ocean marine policy permits the insured to abandon the damaged ship or cargo to the insurer and make a claim for the entire value.

The insured may claim for a partial loss or abandon the property to the insurance company and claim a total loss.

If you abandon insured property that has suffered partial loss or damage, you give it to the insurers so that a claim for a total loss may be made.

Word Frequency

abandoned

(əbændənd )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

An abandoned place or building is no longer used or occupied.

All that digging had left a network of abandoned mines and tunnels.

...abandoned buildings that become a breeding ground for crime.

Synonyms: unoccupied, empty, deserted, vacant More Synonyms of abandoned

More Synonyms of abandoned

Video: pronunciation of
abandoned

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Word Frequency

abandoned in British English

(əˈbændənd )

adjective

1.

deserted

an abandoned windmill

2.

forsaken

an abandoned child

3.

unrestrained; uninhibited

wild, abandoned dancing

4.

depraved; profligate

Word Frequency

abandoned in American English

(əˈbændənd )

adjective

1.

given up; forsaken; deserted

2.

shamefully wicked; immoral

3.

unrestrained

Word Frequency

abandonee in British English

(əˌbændəˈniː )

noun

law

a person to whom something is formally relinquished, esp an insurer having the right to salvage a wreck

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Word Frequency

abandonee in American English

(əˌbændəˈni)

noun

1.

the party to whom a right or property is abandoned by another, esp. an insurer to whom a property has been relinquished

2.

a person who has been abandoned

Word origin

[1840–50; abandon1 + -ee]This word is first recorded in the period 1840–50. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: bypass, colloid, creationism, plaque, sensationalism-ee is a suffix forming from transitive verbs nouns which denote a person who is the object or beneficiary of the act specified by the verb (addressee; employee; grantee); more recent formations also mark the performer of an act, with the base being an intransitive verb (escapee; returnee; standee) or, less frequently, a transitive verb (attendee) or another part of speech (absentee; refugee)

Word Frequency

abandonment

(əbændənmənt )

1. uncountable noun

The abandonment of a place, thing, or person is the act of leaving it permanently or for a long time, especially when you should not do so.

...memories of her father's complete abandonment of her. [+ of]

Synonyms: desertion, leaving, forsaking, jilting More Synonyms of abandonment

2. uncountable noun

The abandonment of a piece of work or activity is the act of stopping doing it before it is finished.

Constant rain forced the abandonment of the next day's competitions. [+ of]

Synonyms: stopping, cessation, discontinuation, desistance More Synonyms of abandonment

3. uncountable noun

The abandonment of an idea or way of thinking is the act of stopping having the idea or of stopping thinking in that way.

...the government's abandonment of the policy.

More Synonyms of abandonment

Video: pronunciation of
abandonment

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Word Frequency

aba in British English

(ˈæbə )

noun

1.

a type of cloth from Syria, made of goat hair or camel hair

2.

a sleeveless outer garment of such cloth

Word origin

from Arabic

Word Frequency

ABA in British English

abbreviation for

1.

(in Britain) Amateur Boxing Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

3.

applied behaviour analysis

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Word Frequency

ABA in American English

1.

American Bar Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

Word Frequency

aba in American English

(ˈɑbə ; əˈbɑ )

noun

1.

a coarse fabric of wool or hair fiber with a felted finish

2.

a loose, sleeveless robe worn by Arabs

Word origin

Ar ʿabāʾ, cloak-like woolen wrap

Word Frequency

ABA in Finance

(eɪ bi eɪ) or American Bankers Association

abbreviation

(Finance: Banking)

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

The ABA has lobbied long and hard for involuntary taxpayer financial support and additional bank tax breaks.

The money had not been transferred because no one at the branch knew the ABA code for the branch in Texas.

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

PronunciationThree-letter abbreviations are usually pronounced as separate letters with the main stress on the last syllable.ABA ( / eɪ bi eɪ/)CDO ( /si di oʊ/)FRB ( /ɛf ar bi/)RSU ( /ar ɛs yu/)

aba in British English

(ˈæbə )

noun

1.

a type of cloth from Syria, made of goat hair or camel hair

2.

a sleeveless outer garment of such cloth

Word origin

from Arabic

ABA in British English

abbreviation for

1.

(in Britain) Amateur Boxing Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

3.

applied behaviour analysis

You may also like

ABA in American English

1.

American Bar Association

2.

American Booksellers Association

aba in American English

(ˈɑbə ; əˈbɑ )

noun

1.

a coarse fabric of wool or hair fiber with a felted finish

2.

a loose, sleeveless robe worn by Arabs

Word origin

Ar ʿabāʾ, cloak-like woolen wrap

ABA in Finance

(eɪ bi eɪ) or American Bankers Association

abbreviation

(Finance: Banking)

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

The ABA has lobbied long and hard for involuntary taxpayer financial support and additional bank tax breaks.

The money had not been transferred because no one at the branch knew the ABA code for the branch in Texas.

The ABA is a professional organization that represents US banks and other financial institutions.

PronunciationThree-letter abbreviations are usually pronounced as separate letters with the main stress on the last syllable.ABA ( / eɪ bi eɪ/)CDO ( /si di oʊ/)FRB ( /ɛf ar bi/)RSU ( /ar ɛs yu/)

Word Frequency

abase in British English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb (transitive)

1.

to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)

2.

to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base2

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Word Frequency

abase in American English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbased or aˈbasing

1.

to humble or humiliate

he abased himself before the king

2. Archaic

to lower; cast down

SIMILAR WORDS: deˈgrade

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

ME abessen < OFr abaissier < ML abassare, to lower, bring down < L ad- (see a-2) + VL bassus, low

Word Frequency

abase in British English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb (transitive)

1.

to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)

2.

to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base2

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Word Frequency

abase in American English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbased or aˈbasing

1.

to humble or humiliate

he abased himself before the king

2. Archaic

to lower; cast down

SIMILAR WORDS: deˈgrade

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

ME abessen < OFr abaissier < ML abassare, to lower, bring down < L ad- (see a-2) + VL bassus, low

Word Frequency

abase in British English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb (transitive)

1.

to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)

2.

to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base2

You may also like

Word Frequency

abase in American English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbased or aˈbasing

1.

to humble or humiliate

he abased himself before the king

2. Archaic

to lower; cast down

SIMILAR WORDS: deˈgrade

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

ME abessen < OFr abaissier < ML abassare, to lower, bring down < L ad- (see a-2) + VL bassus, low

Word Frequency

abase in British English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb (transitive)

1.

to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)

2.

to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base2

You may also like

Word Frequency

abase in American English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbased or aˈbasing

1.

to humble or humiliate

he abased himself before the king

2. Archaic

to lower; cast down

SIMILAR WORDS: deˈgrade

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

ME abessen < OFr abaissier < ML abassare, to lower, bring down < L ad- (see a-2) + VL bassus, low

Word Frequency

abash in British English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb

(tr; usually passive)

to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed

Derived forms

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out + bair to gape, yawn

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Word Frequency

abash in American English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb transitive

to make embarrassed and ill at ease; make self-conscious; disconcert

SIMILAR WORDS: emˈbarrass

Derived forms

abashedly (aˈbashedly) (əˈbæʃədli )

adverb

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

ME abaishen < OFr esbahir, to astonish < es-, intens. (< L ex-) + stem of baer, to gape: see bay2

Word Frequency

abashed

(əbæʃt )

adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If you are abashed, you feel embarrassed and ashamed.

[written]

He looked abashed, uncomfortable.

Synonyms: embarrassed, confused, humbled, humiliated More Synonyms of abashed

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Word Frequency

abashed in British English

(əˈbæʃt )

adjective

ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; ashamed

Derived forms

abashedly (aˈbashedly)

adverb

Word Frequency

abash in British English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb

(tr; usually passive)

to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed

Derived forms

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out + bair to gape, yawn

You may also like

Word Frequency

abash in American English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb transitive

to make embarrassed and ill at ease; make self-conscious; disconcert

SIMILAR WORDS: emˈbarrass

Derived forms

abashedly (aˈbashedly) (əˈbæʃədli )

adverb

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

ME abaishen < OFr esbahir, to astonish < es-, intens. (< L ex-) + stem of baer, to gape: see bay2

Word Frequency

abash in British English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb

(tr; usually passive)

to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed

Derived forms

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out + bair to gape, yawn

You may also like

Word Frequency

abash in American English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb transitive

to make embarrassed and ill at ease; make self-conscious; disconcert

SIMILAR WORDS: emˈbarrass

Derived forms

abashedly (aˈbashedly) (əˈbæʃədli )

adverb

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

ME abaishen < OFr esbahir, to astonish < es-, intens. (< L ex-) + stem of baer, to gape: see bay2

Word Frequency

abash in British English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb

(tr; usually passive)

to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed

Derived forms

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out + bair to gape, yawn

You may also like

Word Frequency

abash in American English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb transitive

to make embarrassed and ill at ease; make self-conscious; disconcert

SIMILAR WORDS: emˈbarrass

Derived forms

abashedly (aˈbashedly) (əˈbæʃədli )

adverb

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

ME abaishen < OFr esbahir, to astonish < es-, intens. (< L ex-) + stem of baer, to gape: see bay2

Word Frequency

abash in British English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb

(tr; usually passive)

to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed

Derived forms

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out + bair to gape, yawn

You may also like

Word Frequency

abash in American English

(əˈbæʃ )

verb transitive

to make embarrassed and ill at ease; make self-conscious; disconcert

SIMILAR WORDS: emˈbarrass

Derived forms

abashedly (aˈbashedly) (əˈbæʃədli )

adverb

abashment (aˈbashment)

noun

Word origin

ME abaishen < OFr esbahir, to astonish < es-, intens. (< L ex-) + stem of baer, to gape: see bay2

Word Frequency

abase in British English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb (transitive)

1.

to humble or belittle (oneself, etc)

2.

to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base2

You may also like

Word Frequency

abase in American English

(əˈbeɪs )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbased or aˈbasing

1.

to humble or humiliate

he abased himself before the king

2. Archaic

to lower; cast down

SIMILAR WORDS: deˈgrade

Derived forms

abasement (aˈbasement)

noun

Word origin

ME abessen < OFr abaissier < ML abassare, to lower, bring down < L ad- (see a-2) + VL bassus, low

Word Frequency

abate

(əbeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abates , present participle abating , past tense, past participle abated

verb

If something bad or undesirable abates, it becomes much less strong or severe.

[formal]

The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn. [VERB]

...a crime wave that shows no sign of abating. [VERB]

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Word Frequency

abate in British English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb

1.

to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc

the storm has abated

2. (transitive) law

a.

to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance)

b.

to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action)

c.

to annul (a writ)

3. (intransitive) law

(of a writ, legal action, etc) to become null and void

4. (transitive)

to subtract or deduct, as part of a price

Word origin

C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell

Word Frequency

abate in American English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbated or aˈbating

1.

to make less in amount, degree, force, etc.

2.

to deduct

3. Law

to put a stop to (a suit or action), end (a nuisance), etc.; terminate

verb intransitive

4.

to become less in amount, degree, force, etc.; diminish

SIMILAR WORDS: wane

Derived forms

abatable (aˈbatable)

adjective

abater (aˈbater)

noun or Law aˈbator (əˈbeɪtər ; əˈbeɪtɔr )

Word origin

ME abaten < OFr abattre, to beat down: see a-2 & batter1

Word Frequency

abate

(əbeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abates , present participle abating , past tense, past participle abated

verb

If something bad or undesirable abates, it becomes much less strong or severe.

[formal]

The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn. [VERB]

...a crime wave that shows no sign of abating. [VERB]

You may also like

Word Frequency

abate in British English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb

1.

to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc

the storm has abated

2. (transitive) law

a.

to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance)

b.

to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action)

c.

to annul (a writ)

3. (intransitive) law

(of a writ, legal action, etc) to become null and void

4. (transitive)

to subtract or deduct, as part of a price

Word origin

C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell

Word Frequency

abate in American English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbated or aˈbating

1.

to make less in amount, degree, force, etc.

2.

to deduct

3. Law

to put a stop to (a suit or action), end (a nuisance), etc.; terminate

verb intransitive

4.

to become less in amount, degree, force, etc.; diminish

SIMILAR WORDS: wane

Derived forms

abatable (aˈbatable)

adjective

abater (aˈbater)

noun or Law aˈbator (əˈbeɪtər ; əˈbeɪtɔr )

Word origin

ME abaten < OFr abattre, to beat down: see a-2 & batter1

Word Frequency

abate

(əbeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abates , present participle abating , past tense, past participle abated

verb

If something bad or undesirable abates, it becomes much less strong or severe.

[formal]

The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn. [VERB]

...a crime wave that shows no sign of abating. [VERB]

You may also like

Word Frequency

abate in British English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb

1.

to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc

the storm has abated

2. (transitive) law

a.

to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance)

b.

to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action)

c.

to annul (a writ)

3. (intransitive) law

(of a writ, legal action, etc) to become null and void

4. (transitive)

to subtract or deduct, as part of a price

Word origin

C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell

Word Frequency

abate in American English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbated or aˈbating

1.

to make less in amount, degree, force, etc.

2.

to deduct

3. Law

to put a stop to (a suit or action), end (a nuisance), etc.; terminate

verb intransitive

4.

to become less in amount, degree, force, etc.; diminish

SIMILAR WORDS: wane

Derived forms

abatable (aˈbatable)

adjective

abater (aˈbater)

noun or Law aˈbator (əˈbeɪtər ; əˈbeɪtɔr )

Word origin

ME abaten < OFr abattre, to beat down: see a-2 & batter1

Word Frequency

abatement

(əbeɪtmənt )

uncountable noun [oft a NOUN]

Abatement means a reduction in the strength or power of something or the reduction of it.

[formal]

...the abatement of carbon dioxide emissions. [+ of]

...noise abatement.

More Synonyms of abatement

You may also like

Word Frequency

abatement in British English

(əˈbeɪtmənt )

noun

1.

diminution or alleviation; decrease

2.

suppression or termination

the abatement of a nuisance

3.

the amount by which something is reduced, such as the cost of an article

4. property law

a decrease in the payment to creditors or legatees when the assets of the debtor or estate are insufficient to meet all payments in full

5. property law

(formerly) a wrongful entry on land by a stranger who takes possession after the death of the owner and before the heir has entered into possession

Word Frequency

abatement in American English

(əˈbeɪtmənt )

noun

1.

a lessening or reduction

2.

an amount deducted; extent of a reduction

3. Law

the termination of a suit, quashing of a nuisance, etc.

Word origin

OFr: see abate

Word Frequency

abatement

(əbeɪtmənt )

uncountable noun [oft a NOUN]

Abatement means a reduction in the strength or power of something or the reduction of it.

[formal]

...the abatement of carbon dioxide emissions. [+ of]

...noise abatement.

More Synonyms of abatement

You may also like

Word Frequency

abatement in British English

(əˈbeɪtmənt )

noun

1.

diminution or alleviation; decrease

2.

suppression or termination

the abatement of a nuisance

3.

the amount by which something is reduced, such as the cost of an article

4. property law

a decrease in the payment to creditors or legatees when the assets of the debtor or estate are insufficient to meet all payments in full

5. property law

(formerly) a wrongful entry on land by a stranger who takes possession after the death of the owner and before the heir has entered into possession

Word Frequency

abatement in American English

(əˈbeɪtmənt )

noun

1.

a lessening or reduction

2.

an amount deducted; extent of a reduction

3. Law

the termination of a suit, quashing of a nuisance, etc.

Word origin

OFr: see abate

Word Frequency

abate

(əbeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abates , present participle abating , past tense, past participle abated

verb

If something bad or undesirable abates, it becomes much less strong or severe.

[formal]

The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn. [VERB]

...a crime wave that shows no sign of abating. [VERB]

You may also like

Word Frequency

abate in British English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb

1.

to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc

the storm has abated

2. (transitive) law

a.

to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance)

b.

to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action)

c.

to annul (a writ)

3. (intransitive) law

(of a writ, legal action, etc) to become null and void

4. (transitive)

to subtract or deduct, as part of a price

Word origin

C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell

Word Frequency

abate in American English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbated or aˈbating

1.

to make less in amount, degree, force, etc.

2.

to deduct

3. Law

to put a stop to (a suit or action), end (a nuisance), etc.; terminate

verb intransitive

4.

to become less in amount, degree, force, etc.; diminish

SIMILAR WORDS: wane

Derived forms

abatable (aˈbatable)

adjective

abater (aˈbater)

noun or Law aˈbator (əˈbeɪtər ; əˈbeɪtɔr )

Word origin

ME abaten < OFr abattre, to beat down: see a-2 & batter1

Word Frequency

abate

(əbeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abates , present participle abating , past tense, past participle abated

verb

If something bad or undesirable abates, it becomes much less strong or severe.

[formal]

The storms had abated by the time they rounded Cape Horn. [VERB]

...a crime wave that shows no sign of abating. [VERB]

You may also like

Word Frequency

abate in British English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb

1.

to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc

the storm has abated

2. (transitive) law

a.

to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance)

b.

to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action)

c.

to annul (a writ)

3. (intransitive) law

(of a writ, legal action, etc) to become null and void

4. (transitive)

to subtract or deduct, as part of a price

Word origin

C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell

Word Frequency

abate in American English

(əˈbeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbated or aˈbating

1.

to make less in amount, degree, force, etc.

2.

to deduct

3. Law

to put a stop to (a suit or action), end (a nuisance), etc.; terminate

verb intransitive

4.

to become less in amount, degree, force, etc.; diminish

SIMILAR WORDS: wane

Derived forms

abatable (aˈbatable)

adjective

abater (aˈbater)

noun or Law aˈbator (əˈbeɪtər ; əˈbeɪtɔr )

Word origin

ME abaten < OFr abattre, to beat down: see a-2 & batter1

Word Frequency

abatis in British English

or abattis (ˈæbətɪs , ˈæbətiː )

noun fortifications

1.

a rampart of felled trees bound together placed with their branches outwards

2.

a barbed-wire entanglement before a position

Word origin

C18: from French, from abattre to fell

You may also like

Word Frequency

abatis in American English

(ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌti ) or ˈabattis (ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌti )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabatis or ˈabattis (ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌtiz )

a barricade of felled trees, with branches pointed toward the enemy: now often reinforced with barbed wire

Word origin

Fr < OFr abateïs < abattre: see abate

Word Frequency

abatis in British English

or abattis (ˈæbətɪs , ˈæbətiː )

noun fortifications

1.

a rampart of felled trees bound together placed with their branches outwards

2.

a barbed-wire entanglement before a position

Word origin

C18: from French, from abattre to fell

You may also like

Word Frequency

abatis in American English

(ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌti ) or ˈabattis (ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌti )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabatis or ˈabattis (ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌtiz )

a barricade of felled trees, with branches pointed toward the enemy: now often reinforced with barbed wire

Word origin

Fr < OFr abateïs < abattre: see abate

Word Frequency

abatis in British English

or abattis (ˈæbətɪs , ˈæbətiː )

noun fortifications

1.

a rampart of felled trees bound together placed with their branches outwards

2.

a barbed-wire entanglement before a position

Word origin

C18: from French, from abattre to fell

You may also like

Word Frequency

abatis in American English

(ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌti ) or ˈabattis (ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌti )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabatis or ˈabattis (ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌtiz )

a barricade of felled trees, with branches pointed toward the enemy: now often reinforced with barbed wire

Word origin

Fr < OFr abateïs < abattre: see abate

Word Frequency

abatis in British English

or abattis (ˈæbətɪs , ˈæbətiː )

noun fortifications

1.

a rampart of felled trees bound together placed with their branches outwards

2.

a barbed-wire entanglement before a position

Word origin

C18: from French, from abattre to fell

You may also like

Word Frequency

abatis in American English

(ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌti ) or ˈabattis (ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌti )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabatis or ˈabattis (ˈæbətɪs ; ˈæbəˌtiz )

a barricade of felled trees, with branches pointed toward the enemy: now often reinforced with barbed wire

Word origin

Fr < OFr abateïs < abattre: see abate

Word Frequency

abattoir

(æbətwɑːʳ )

Word forms: plural abattoirs

countable noun

An abattoir is a place where animals are killed in order to provide meat.

[British]regional note: in AM, use slaughterhouse

Synonyms: slaughterhouse, shambles, butchery More Synonyms of abattoir

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Word Frequency

abattoir in British English

(ˈæbəˌtwɑː )

noun

another name for slaughterhouse

Word origin

C19: French, from abattre to fell

Word Frequency

abattoir in American English

(ˈæbəˌtwɑr ; ˌ æbəˈtwɑr )

noun

a slaughterhouse

Word origin

Fr < abattre: see abate

Word Frequency

abattoir

(æbətwɑːʳ )

Word forms: plural abattoirs

countable noun

An abattoir is a place where animals are killed in order to provide meat.

[British]regional note: in AM, use slaughterhouse

Synonyms: slaughterhouse, shambles, butchery More Synonyms of abattoir

You may also like

Word Frequency

abattoir in British English

(ˈæbəˌtwɑː )

noun

another name for slaughterhouse

Word origin

C19: French, from abattre to fell

Word Frequency

abattoir in American English

(ˈæbəˌtwɑr ; ˌ æbəˈtwɑr )

noun

a slaughterhouse

Word origin

Fr < abattre: see abate

Word Frequency

abaxial in British English

(æbˈæksɪəl ) or abaxile (æbˈæksaɪl)

adjective

facing away from the axis, as the surface of a leaf

Compare adaxial

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Word Frequency

abaxial in American English

(æbˈæksiəl )

adjective

away from or facing away from the axis

the abaxial surface of a leaf

Word origin

ab- + axial

Word Frequency

Abba in British English 1

(ˈæbə )

noun

Swedish pop group (1972–82): comprised Benny Andersson (born 1946), Agnetha Faltskog (born 1950), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (born 1945), and Bjorn Ulvaeus (born 1945); numerous hit singles included " Waterloo" (1974), "Dancing Queen" (1977), and "The Winner Takes It All" (1980)

Word Frequency

Abba in British English 2

(ˈæbə )

noun

1. New Testament

father (used of God)

2.

a title given to bishops and patriarchs in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Churches

Word origin

from Aramaic

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Word Frequency

abba in American English 1

(ˈæbə ; ˈɑbə )

noun

1.

father

title of a bishop in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Christian churches

2. [A-]; Bible

God: Mark 14:36

Word origin

ME < LL(Ec) < Aram

Word Frequency

abba in American English 2

(ˈɑbə ; əˈbɑ )

noun

aba (sense 2)

Word Frequency

Abba in British English 1

(ˈæbə )

noun

Swedish pop group (1972–82): comprised Benny Andersson (born 1946), Agnetha Faltskog (born 1950), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (born 1945), and Bjorn Ulvaeus (born 1945); numerous hit singles included " Waterloo" (1974), "Dancing Queen" (1977), and "The Winner Takes It All" (1980)

Word Frequency

Abba in British English 2

(ˈæbə )

noun

1. New Testament

father (used of God)

2.

a title given to bishops and patriarchs in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Churches

Word origin

from Aramaic

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Word Frequency

abba in American English 1

(ˈæbə ; ˈɑbə )

noun

1.

father

title of a bishop in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Christian churches

2. [A-]; Bible

God: Mark 14:36

Word origin

ME < LL(Ec) < Aram

Word Frequency

abba in American English 2

(ˈɑbə ; əˈbɑ )

noun

aba (sense 2)

Word Frequency

abbacy in British English

(ˈæbəsɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -cies

the office, term of office, or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess

Word origin

C15: from Church Latin abbātia, from abbāt- abbot

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Word Frequency

abbacy in American English

(ˈæbəsi )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabbacies

an abbot's position, jurisdiction, or term of office

Word origin

ME < LL(Ec) abbatia < abbas, abbot

Word Frequency

Abbasid in British English

(ˈæbəˌsɪd , əˈbæsɪd )

noun

a.

any caliph of the dynasty that ruled the Muslim empire from Baghdad (750–1258) and claimed descent from Abbas, uncle of Mohammed

b.

(as modifier)

the Abbasid dynasty

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Word Frequency

Abbasid in American English

(əˈbæsɪd, ˈæbəsɪd)

noun

a member of a dynasty of caliphs ruling at Baghdad, a.d.750–1258, governing most of the Islamic world and claiming descent from Abbas, uncle of Muhammad

Also: Abbassid, Abbasside (əˈbæsaid, ˈæbəˌsaid)

Word origin

[‹ Ar (al-)ʻabbās + -id1]-id is a suffix of nouns that have the general sense “offspring of, descendant of,” occurring originally in loanwords from Greek (Atreid; Nereid), and productive in English on the Greek model, esp. in names of dynasties, with the dynasty’s founder as the base noun (Abbasid; Attalid), and in names of periodic meteor showers, with the base noun usually denoting the constellation or other celestial object in which the shower appears (Perseid)

Word Frequency

Abbasid in British English

(ˈæbəˌsɪd , əˈbæsɪd )

noun

a.

any caliph of the dynasty that ruled the Muslim empire from Baghdad (750–1258) and claimed descent from Abbas, uncle of Mohammed

b.

(as modifier)

the Abbasid dynasty

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Word Frequency

Abbasid in American English

(əˈbæsɪd, ˈæbəsɪd)

noun

a member of a dynasty of caliphs ruling at Baghdad, a.d.750–1258, governing most of the Islamic world and claiming descent from Abbas, uncle of Muhammad

Also: Abbassid, Abbasside (əˈbæsaid, ˈæbəˌsaid)

Word origin

[‹ Ar (al-)ʻabbās + -id1]-id is a suffix of nouns that have the general sense “offspring of, descendant of,” occurring originally in loanwords from Greek (Atreid; Nereid), and productive in English on the Greek model, esp. in names of dynasties, with the dynasty’s founder as the base noun (Abbasid; Attalid), and in names of periodic meteor showers, with the base noun usually denoting the constellation or other celestial object in which the shower appears (Perseid)

Word Frequency

Abbasid in British English

(ˈæbəˌsɪd , əˈbæsɪd )

noun

a.

any caliph of the dynasty that ruled the Muslim empire from Baghdad (750–1258) and claimed descent from Abbas, uncle of Mohammed

b.

(as modifier)

the Abbasid dynasty

You may also like

Word Frequency

Abbasid in American English

(əˈbæsɪd, ˈæbəsɪd)

noun

a member of a dynasty of caliphs ruling at Baghdad, a.d.750–1258, governing most of the Islamic world and claiming descent from Abbas, uncle of Muhammad

Also: Abbassid, Abbasside (əˈbæsaid, ˈæbəˌsaid)

Word origin

[‹ Ar (al-)ʻabbās + -id1]-id is a suffix of nouns that have the general sense “offspring of, descendant of,” occurring originally in loanwords from Greek (Atreid; Nereid), and productive in English on the Greek model, esp. in names of dynasties, with the dynasty’s founder as the base noun (Abbasid; Attalid), and in names of periodic meteor showers, with the base noun usually denoting the constellation or other celestial object in which the shower appears (Perseid)

Word Frequency

abbatial in British English

(əˈbeɪʃəl )

adjective

of or relating to an abbot, abbess, or abbey

Word origin

C17: from Church Latin abbātiālis, from abbāt- abbot; see -al1

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Word Frequency

abbatial in American English

(əˈbeɪʃəl )

adjective

of an abbot, abbess, or abbey

Word origin

Fr < ML abbatialis < LL(Ec) abbatia, abbacy

Word Frequency

Abbe in British English

(ˈæbɪ , German ˈaːbə)

noun

Ernst. 1840–1905, German physicist, noted for his work in optics and the microscope condenser known as the Abbe condenser

Word Frequency

abbé in British English

(ˈæbeɪ , French abe)

noun

1.

a French abbot

2.

a title used in addressing any other French cleric, such as a priest

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Word Frequency

abbé in American English

(ˈæbeɪ ; French aˈbeɪ )

noun

a French title of respect, given to a priest, minister, etc.

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) abbas < LGr(Ec), abbot

Word Frequency

Abbe in British English

(ˈæbɪ , German ˈaːbə)

noun

Ernst. 1840–1905, German physicist, noted for his work in optics and the microscope condenser known as the Abbe condenser

Word Frequency

abbé in British English

(ˈæbeɪ , French abe)

noun

1.

a French abbot

2.

a title used in addressing any other French cleric, such as a priest

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbé in American English

(ˈæbeɪ ; French aˈbeɪ )

noun

a French title of respect, given to a priest, minister, etc.

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) abbas < LGr(Ec), abbot

Word Frequency

Abbe in British English

(ˈæbɪ , German ˈaːbə)

noun

Ernst. 1840–1905, German physicist, noted for his work in optics and the microscope condenser known as the Abbe condenser

Word Frequency

abbé in British English

(ˈæbeɪ , French abe)

noun

1.

a French abbot

2.

a title used in addressing any other French cleric, such as a priest

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbé in American English

(ˈæbeɪ ; French aˈbeɪ )

noun

a French title of respect, given to a priest, minister, etc.

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) abbas < LGr(Ec), abbot

Word Frequency

abbess

(æbes )

Word forms: plural abbesses

countable noun

An abbess is the nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent.

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Word Frequency

abbess in British English

(ˈæbɪs )

noun

the female superior of a convent

Word origin

C13: from Old French, from Church Latin abbātissa

Word Frequency

abbess in American English

(ˈæbəs )

noun

a woman who is head of an abbey of nuns

Word origin

ME abbes < OFr abesse < LL(Ec) abbatissa, fem. of abbas, abbot

Word Frequency

abbess

(æbes )

Word forms: plural abbesses

countable noun

An abbess is the nun who is in charge of the other nuns in a convent.

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Word Frequency

abbess in British English

(ˈæbɪs )

noun

the female superior of a convent

Word origin

C13: from Old French, from Church Latin abbātissa

Word Frequency

abbess in American English

(ˈæbəs )

noun

a woman who is head of an abbey of nuns

Word origin

ME abbes < OFr abesse < LL(Ec) abbatissa, fem. of abbas, abbot

Word Frequency

Abbevillian in British English

(æbˈvɪlɪən , -jən) archaeology

noun

1.

the period represented by Lower Palaeolithic European sites containing the earliest hand axes, dating from the Mindel glaciation

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Word Frequency

Abbevillian in American English

(ˌæbəˈvɪliən ; æbˈvɪliən ; ˌæbəˈvɪljən ; æbˈvɪljən )

adjective

designating or of a Lower Paleolithic culture characterized by stone hand axes

Word origin

after Abbeville, town in N France

Word Frequency

Abbevillian in British English

(æbˈvɪlɪən , -jən) archaeology

noun

1.

the period represented by Lower Palaeolithic European sites containing the earliest hand axes, dating from the Mindel glaciation

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Word Frequency

Abbevillian in American English

(ˌæbəˈvɪliən ; æbˈvɪliən ; ˌæbəˈvɪljən ; æbˈvɪljən )

adjective

designating or of a Lower Paleolithic culture characterized by stone hand axes

Word origin

after Abbeville, town in N France

Word Frequency

abbey

(æbi )

Word forms: plural abbeys

countable noun

An abbey is a church with buildings attached to it in which monks or nuns live or used to live.

Synonyms: monastery, convent, priory, cloister More Synonyms of abbey

Image of
abbey

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Word Frequency

abbey in British English

(ˈæbɪ )

noun

1.

a building inhabited by a community of monks or nuns governed by an abbot or abbess

2.

a church built in conjunction with such a building

3.

such a community of monks or nuns

Word origin

C13: via Old French abeie from Church Latin abbātia abbacy

Word Frequency

abbey in American English

(ˈæbi )

noun

1.

a monastery headed by an abbot, or a convent of nuns headed by an abbess

2.

the monks or nuns in such a place, collectively

3.

a church or building belonging to an abbey

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈcloister

Word origin

ME abbeie < OFr abaie < LL(Ec) abbatia, abbacy

Word Frequency

abbey

(æbi )

Word forms: plural abbeys

countable noun

An abbey is a church with buildings attached to it in which monks or nuns live or used to live.

Synonyms: monastery, convent, priory, cloister More Synonyms of abbey

Image of
abbey

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbey in British English

(ˈæbɪ )

noun

1.

a building inhabited by a community of monks or nuns governed by an abbot or abbess

2.

a church built in conjunction with such a building

3.

such a community of monks or nuns

Word origin

C13: via Old French abeie from Church Latin abbātia abbacy

Word Frequency

abbey in American English

(ˈæbi )

noun

1.

a monastery headed by an abbot, or a convent of nuns headed by an abbess

2.

the monks or nuns in such a place, collectively

3.

a church or building belonging to an abbey

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈcloister

Word origin

ME abbeie < OFr abaie < LL(Ec) abbatia, abbacy

Word Frequency

abbey

(æbi )

Word forms: plural abbeys

countable noun

An abbey is a church with buildings attached to it in which monks or nuns live or used to live.

Synonyms: monastery, convent, priory, cloister More Synonyms of abbey

Image of
abbey

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbey in British English

(ˈæbɪ )

noun

1.

a building inhabited by a community of monks or nuns governed by an abbot or abbess

2.

a church built in conjunction with such a building

3.

such a community of monks or nuns

Word origin

C13: via Old French abeie from Church Latin abbātia abbacy

Word Frequency

abbey in American English

(ˈæbi )

noun

1.

a monastery headed by an abbot, or a convent of nuns headed by an abbess

2.

the monks or nuns in such a place, collectively

3.

a church or building belonging to an abbey

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈcloister

Word origin

ME abbeie < OFr abaie < LL(Ec) abbatia, abbacy

Word Frequency

abbot

(æbət )

Word forms: plural abbots

countable noun

An abbot is the monk who is in charge of the other monks in a monastery or abbey.

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Word Frequency

abbot in British English

(ˈæbət )

noun

the superior of an abbey of monks

▶ Related adjective: abbatial

Derived forms

abbotship (ˈabbotˌship) or abbotcy (ˈabbotcy)

noun

Word origin

Old English abbod, from Church Latin abbāt- (stem of abbas), ultimately from Aramaic abbā Abba2

Word Frequency

Abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

ˈ Charles Greeley (ˈgrili ) 1872-1973; U.S. astrophysicist

Word Frequency

abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

noun

a man who is head of an abbey of monks

Word origin

OE abbod < LL(Ec) abbas < LGr(Ec) < Aram abbā, father

Word Frequency

abbot

(æbət )

Word forms: plural abbots

countable noun

An abbot is the monk who is in charge of the other monks in a monastery or abbey.

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbot in British English

(ˈæbət )

noun

the superior of an abbey of monks

▶ Related adjective: abbatial

Derived forms

abbotship (ˈabbotˌship) or abbotcy (ˈabbotcy)

noun

Word origin

Old English abbod, from Church Latin abbāt- (stem of abbas), ultimately from Aramaic abbā Abba2

Word Frequency

Abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

ˈ Charles Greeley (ˈgrili ) 1872-1973; U.S. astrophysicist

Word Frequency

abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

noun

a man who is head of an abbey of monks

Word origin

OE abbod < LL(Ec) abbas < LGr(Ec) < Aram abbā, father

Word Frequency

abbot

(æbət )

Word forms: plural abbots

countable noun

An abbot is the monk who is in charge of the other monks in a monastery or abbey.

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbot in British English

(ˈæbət )

noun

the superior of an abbey of monks

▶ Related adjective: abbatial

Derived forms

abbotship (ˈabbotˌship) or abbotcy (ˈabbotcy)

noun

Word origin

Old English abbod, from Church Latin abbāt- (stem of abbas), ultimately from Aramaic abbā Abba2

Word Frequency

Abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

ˈ Charles Greeley (ˈgrili ) 1872-1973; U.S. astrophysicist

Word Frequency

abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

noun

a man who is head of an abbey of monks

Word origin

OE abbod < LL(Ec) abbas < LGr(Ec) < Aram abbā, father

Word Frequency

abbot

(æbət )

Word forms: plural abbots

countable noun

An abbot is the monk who is in charge of the other monks in a monastery or abbey.

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbot in British English

(ˈæbət )

noun

the superior of an abbey of monks

▶ Related adjective: abbatial

Derived forms

abbotship (ˈabbotˌship) or abbotcy (ˈabbotcy)

noun

Word origin

Old English abbod, from Church Latin abbāt- (stem of abbas), ultimately from Aramaic abbā Abba2

Word Frequency

Abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

ˈ Charles Greeley (ˈgrili ) 1872-1973; U.S. astrophysicist

Word Frequency

abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

noun

a man who is head of an abbey of monks

Word origin

OE abbod < LL(Ec) abbas < LGr(Ec) < Aram abbā, father

Word Frequency

abbot

(æbət )

Word forms: plural abbots

countable noun

An abbot is the monk who is in charge of the other monks in a monastery or abbey.

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbot in British English

(ˈæbət )

noun

the superior of an abbey of monks

▶ Related adjective: abbatial

Derived forms

abbotship (ˈabbotˌship) or abbotcy (ˈabbotcy)

noun

Word origin

Old English abbod, from Church Latin abbāt- (stem of abbas), ultimately from Aramaic abbā Abba2

Word Frequency

Abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

ˈ Charles Greeley (ˈgrili ) 1872-1973; U.S. astrophysicist

Word Frequency

abbot in American English

(ˈæbət )

noun

a man who is head of an abbey of monks

Word origin

OE abbod < LL(Ec) abbas < LGr(Ec) < Aram abbā, father

Abbott in British English

(ˈæbət )

noun

Tony, full name Anthony John Abbott. born 1957, Australian Liberal politician; prime minister (2013–2015)

You may also like

Abbott in American English

(ˈæbət)

noun

1.

Berenice 1898–1991, U.S. photographer

2.

Edith 1876–1957, and her sister Grace, 1878–1939, U.S. social reformers

3.

Edville Gerhardt (ˈedvɪl ˈɡɛərhɑːrt) 1871–1938, U.S. orthopedist

4.

George 1887–1995, U.S. playwright, director, and producer

5.

Jacob 1803–79, and his son, Lyman, 1835–1922, U.S. clergymen and writers

6.

Sir John Joseph Caldwell 1821–93, Canadian political leader: prime minister 1891–92

7.

Robert Sengstake (ˈseŋstæk) 1868–1940, U.S. newspaper publisher

Abbott in British English

(ˈæbət )

noun

Tony, full name Anthony John Abbott. born 1957, Australian Liberal politician; prime minister (2013–2015)

You may also like

Abbott in American English

(ˈæbət)

noun

1.

Berenice 1898–1991, U.S. photographer

2.

Edith 1876–1957, and her sister Grace, 1878–1939, U.S. social reformers

3.

Edville Gerhardt (ˈedvɪl ˈɡɛərhɑːrt) 1871–1938, U.S. orthopedist

4.

George 1887–1995, U.S. playwright, director, and producer

5.

Jacob 1803–79, and his son, Lyman, 1835–1922, U.S. clergymen and writers

6.

Sir John Joseph Caldwell 1821–93, Canadian political leader: prime minister 1891–92

7.

Robert Sengstake (ˈseŋstæk) 1868–1940, U.S. newspaper publisher

Word Frequency

abbreviate

(əbriːvieɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abbreviates , present participle abbreviating , past tense, past participle abbreviated

verb

If you abbreviate something, especially a word or a piece of writing, you make it shorter.

He abbreviated his first name to Alec. [VERB noun + to]

Synonyms: shorten, reduce, contract, trim More Synonyms of abbreviate

abbreviated graded adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

It was an abbreviated document without detailed proposals.

Synonyms: shortened, shorter, reduced, brief More Synonyms of abbreviate

Video: pronunciation of
abbreviate

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Word Frequency

abbreviate in British English

(əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words

2.

to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc

3.

to cut short

Derived forms

abbreviator (abˈbreviˌator)

noun

Word origin

C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, from Latin brevis brief

Word Frequency

abbreviate in American English

(əˈbriviˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈbreviˌated or abˈbreviˌating

1.

to make shorter

2.

to shorten (a word or phrase) by leaving out or substituting letters

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abbreviator (abˈbreviˌator)

noun

Word origin

< LL abbreviatus, pp. of abbreviare < L ad-, to + breviare < brevis, brief

Word Frequency

abbreviate

(əbriːvieɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abbreviates , present participle abbreviating , past tense, past participle abbreviated

verb

If you abbreviate something, especially a word or a piece of writing, you make it shorter.

He abbreviated his first name to Alec. [VERB noun + to]

Synonyms: shorten, reduce, contract, trim More Synonyms of abbreviate

abbreviated graded adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

It was an abbreviated document without detailed proposals.

Synonyms: shortened, shorter, reduced, brief More Synonyms of abbreviate

Video: pronunciation of
abbreviate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbreviate in British English

(əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words

2.

to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc

3.

to cut short

Derived forms

abbreviator (abˈbreviˌator)

noun

Word origin

C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, from Latin brevis brief

Word Frequency

abbreviate in American English

(əˈbriviˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈbreviˌated or abˈbreviˌating

1.

to make shorter

2.

to shorten (a word or phrase) by leaving out or substituting letters

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abbreviator (abˈbreviˌator)

noun

Word origin

< LL abbreviatus, pp. of abbreviare < L ad-, to + breviare < brevis, brief

Word Frequency

abbreviate

(əbriːvieɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abbreviates , present participle abbreviating , past tense, past participle abbreviated

verb

If you abbreviate something, especially a word or a piece of writing, you make it shorter.

He abbreviated his first name to Alec. [VERB noun + to]

Synonyms: shorten, reduce, contract, trim More Synonyms of abbreviate

abbreviated graded adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

It was an abbreviated document without detailed proposals.

Synonyms: shortened, shorter, reduced, brief More Synonyms of abbreviate

Video: pronunciation of
abbreviate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abbreviate in British English

(əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words

2.

to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc

3.

to cut short

Derived forms

abbreviator (abˈbreviˌator)

noun

Word origin

C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, from Latin brevis brief

Word Frequency

abbreviate in American English

(əˈbriviˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈbreviˌated or abˈbreviˌating

1.

to make shorter

2.

to shorten (a word or phrase) by leaving out or substituting letters

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abbreviator (abˈbreviˌator)

noun

Word origin

< LL abbreviatus, pp. of abbreviare < L ad-, to + breviare < brevis, brief

Word Frequency

abbreviation

(əbriːvieɪʃən )

Word forms: plural abbreviations

countable noun

An abbreviation is a short form of a word or phrase, made by leaving out some of the letters or by using only the first letter of each word.

The postal abbreviation for Kansas is KS.

Synonyms: shortening, reduction, résumé, trimming More Synonyms of abbreviation

English Easy Learning GrammarParts of speechSentences are made up of words. A sentence can be made up of any number of words.
He left us.
The man in the corner lowered his newspaper.
Whenever I see ... Read more

Video: pronunciation of
abbreviation

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Word Frequency

abbreviation in British English

(əˌbriːvɪˈeɪʃən )

noun

1.

a shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase used in place of the whole

2.

the process or result of abbreviating

Word Frequency

abbreviation in American English

(əˌbriviˈeɪʃən )

noun

1.

a making shorter

2.

the fact or state of being made shorter

3.

a shortened form of a word or phrase, as N. Y. for New York, Mr. for Mister, lb for pound, ctn for cotangent

Word origin

ME < MFr abréviation < LL abbreviatio: see abbreviate

Word Frequency

abbreviate

(əbriːvieɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abbreviates , present participle abbreviating , past tense, past participle abbreviated

verb

If you abbreviate something, especially a word or a piece of writing, you make it shorter.

He abbreviated his first name to Alec. [VERB noun + to]

Synonyms: shorten, reduce, contract, trim More Synonyms of abbreviate

abbreviated graded adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

It was an abbreviated document without detailed proposals.

Synonyms: shortened, shorter, reduced, brief More Synonyms of abbreviate

Video: pronunciation of
abbreviate

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Word Frequency

abbreviate in British English

(əˈbriːvɪˌeɪt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words

2.

to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc

3.

to cut short

Derived forms

abbreviator (abˈbreviˌator)

noun

Word origin

C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbreviāre, from Latin brevis brief

Word Frequency

abbreviate in American English

(əˈbriviˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈbreviˌated or abˈbreviˌating

1.

to make shorter

2.

to shorten (a word or phrase) by leaving out or substituting letters

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abbreviator (abˈbreviˌator)

noun

Word origin

< LL abbreviatus, pp. of abbreviare < L ad-, to + breviare < brevis, brief

Word Frequency

abbreviatory in British English

(əˌbriːvɪˈeɪtərɪ)

adjective

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Word Frequency

abbreviatory in American English

(əˈbriviəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

adjective

serving to abbreviate or shorten

“IA” is an abbreviatory form of “Iowa”

Word origin

[1840–50; abbreviate + -ory1]This word is first recorded in the period 1840–50. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: creationism, flan, layout, plaque, pylon-ory an adjective-forming suffix, joined to bases of Latin origin in imitation of borrowed Latin words containing the suffix -tory (and its alternant -sory). Other words that use the affix -ory include: excretory, sensory, statutory

Word Frequency

ABC

(eɪ biː siː )

Word forms: plural ABCs

1. singular noun

The ABC of a subject or activity is the parts of it that you have to learn first because they are the most important and basic.

...the ABC of Marxism. [+ of]

Synonyms: basics, principles, elements, essentials More Synonyms of ABC

2. countable noun

Children who have learned their ABC or their ABCs have learned to recognize, write, or say the alphabet.

[informal]

More Synonyms of ABC

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Word Frequency

ABC in British English 1

noun

1. (plural in US)

the rudiments of a subject

2.

an alphabetical guide to a subject

3. (often plural in US)

the alphabet

Word Frequency

ABC in British English 2

abbreviation for

1.

(formerly, of weapons or warfare) atomic, biological, and chemical

2.

3.

American Broadcasting Company

4.

Audit Bureau of Circulation

5. Australian

Australian-born Chinese: a person with Chinese parents, born and raised in Australia

6. US

American-born Chinese: a person with Chinese parents, born and raised in the US

7. British

acceptable behaviour contract: a voluntary written agreement between someone who has been involved in anti-social behaviour and a local agency such as a council or police

Word Frequency

ABC in American English 1

(ˌeɪˌbiˈsi )

nounWord forms: plural ABC's [usually pl.]

1.

the alphabet

2.

the basic or simplest elements (of a subject); rudiments

Word Frequency

ABC in American English 2

1.

American Bowling Congress

2.

American Broadcasting Company

Word Frequency

ABC

(eɪ biː siː )

Word forms: plural ABCs

1. singular noun

The ABC of a subject or activity is the parts of it that you have to learn first because they are the most important and basic.

...the ABC of Marxism. [+ of]

Synonyms: basics, principles, elements, essentials More Synonyms of ABC

2. countable noun

Children who have learned their ABC or their ABCs have learned to recognize, write, or say the alphabet.

[informal]

More Synonyms of ABC

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Word Frequency

ABC in British English 1

noun

1. (plural in US)

the rudiments of a subject

2.

an alphabetical guide to a subject

3. (often plural in US)

the alphabet

Word Frequency

ABC in British English 2

abbreviation for

1.

(formerly, of weapons or warfare) atomic, biological, and chemical

2.

3.

American Broadcasting Company

4.

Audit Bureau of Circulation

5. Australian

Australian-born Chinese: a person with Chinese parents, born and raised in Australia

6. US

American-born Chinese: a person with Chinese parents, born and raised in the US

7. British

acceptable behaviour contract: a voluntary written agreement between someone who has been involved in anti-social behaviour and a local agency such as a council or police

Word Frequency

ABC in American English 1

(ˌeɪˌbiˈsi )

nounWord forms: plural ABC's [usually pl.]

1.

the alphabet

2.

the basic or simplest elements (of a subject); rudiments

Word Frequency

ABC in American English 2

1.

American Bowling Congress

2.

American Broadcasting Company

abcoulomb in British English

(æbˈkuːlɒm )

noun

the cgs unit of electric charge in the electromagnetic system; the charge per second passing any cross section of a conductor through which a steady current of 1 abampere is flowing: equivalent to 10 coulombs

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abcoulomb in American English

(æbˈkulɑm ; æbˈkuloʊm )

noun

the basic unit of electric charge in the CGS system, equal to ten coulombs: abbrev. aC

Word Frequency

ABD in British English

US education

abbreviation for

1.

all but dissertation: the stage at which a postgraduate doctoral student has completed the preparatory coursework and examinations for their doctorate, but has not yet completed a PhD dissertation

noun

2.

a student who is at this stage of their studies

She was still ABD after four years.

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Word Frequency

ABD in American English

all but dissertation

used informally of one with all PhD requirements completed except the dissertation

Word Frequency

Abdias in British English

(æbˈdaɪəs )

noun

Bible the Douay form of Obadiah

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Word Frequency

Abdias in American English

(æbˈdaɪəs )

noun

Bible

Obadiah

Word Frequency

abdicate

(æbdɪkeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abdicates , present participle abdicating , past tense, past participle abdicated

1. verb

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [VERB]

Synonyms: resign, retire, quit, step down [informal] More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication (æbdɪkeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [usually with poss]

...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: resignation, quitting, retirement, retiral [mainly Scottish] More Synonyms of abdicate

2. verb

If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer.

[formal, disapproval]

Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: renounce, give up, abandon, surrender More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication uncountable noun

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: renunciation, giving up, surrender, abandonment More Synonyms of abdicate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdicate in British English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb

to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

Derived forms

abdicable (ˈæbdɪkəbəl )

adjective

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicative (æbˈdɪkətɪv )

adjective

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim

Word Frequency

abdicate in American English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈabdiˌcated or ˈabdiˌcating

1.

to give up formally (a high office, throne, authority, etc.)

2.

to surrender or repudiate (a right, responsibility, etc.)

Derived forms

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

< L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, to deny, renounce < ab-, off + dicare, to proclaim, akin to dicere, to say: see diction

Word Frequency

abdicate

(æbdɪkeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abdicates , present participle abdicating , past tense, past participle abdicated

1. verb

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [VERB]

Synonyms: resign, retire, quit, step down [informal] More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication (æbdɪkeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [usually with poss]

...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: resignation, quitting, retirement, retiral [mainly Scottish] More Synonyms of abdicate

2. verb

If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer.

[formal, disapproval]

Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: renounce, give up, abandon, surrender More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication uncountable noun

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: renunciation, giving up, surrender, abandonment More Synonyms of abdicate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdicate in British English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb

to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

Derived forms

abdicable (ˈæbdɪkəbəl )

adjective

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicative (æbˈdɪkətɪv )

adjective

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim

Word Frequency

abdicate in American English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈabdiˌcated or ˈabdiˌcating

1.

to give up formally (a high office, throne, authority, etc.)

2.

to surrender or repudiate (a right, responsibility, etc.)

Derived forms

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

< L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, to deny, renounce < ab-, off + dicare, to proclaim, akin to dicere, to say: see diction

Word Frequency

abdicate

(æbdɪkeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abdicates , present participle abdicating , past tense, past participle abdicated

1. verb

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [VERB]

Synonyms: resign, retire, quit, step down [informal] More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication (æbdɪkeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [usually with poss]

...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: resignation, quitting, retirement, retiral [mainly Scottish] More Synonyms of abdicate

2. verb

If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer.

[formal, disapproval]

Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: renounce, give up, abandon, surrender More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication uncountable noun

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: renunciation, giving up, surrender, abandonment More Synonyms of abdicate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdicate in British English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb

to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

Derived forms

abdicable (ˈæbdɪkəbəl )

adjective

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicative (æbˈdɪkətɪv )

adjective

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim

Word Frequency

abdicate in American English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈabdiˌcated or ˈabdiˌcating

1.

to give up formally (a high office, throne, authority, etc.)

2.

to surrender or repudiate (a right, responsibility, etc.)

Derived forms

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

< L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, to deny, renounce < ab-, off + dicare, to proclaim, akin to dicere, to say: see diction

Word Frequency

abdicate

(æbdɪkeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abdicates , present participle abdicating , past tense, past participle abdicated

1. verb

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [VERB]

Synonyms: resign, retire, quit, step down [informal] More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication (æbdɪkeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [usually with poss]

...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: resignation, quitting, retirement, retiral [mainly Scottish] More Synonyms of abdicate

2. verb

If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer.

[formal, disapproval]

Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: renounce, give up, abandon, surrender More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication uncountable noun

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: renunciation, giving up, surrender, abandonment More Synonyms of abdicate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdicate in British English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb

to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

Derived forms

abdicable (ˈæbdɪkəbəl )

adjective

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicative (æbˈdɪkətɪv )

adjective

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim

Word Frequency

abdicate in American English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈabdiˌcated or ˈabdiˌcating

1.

to give up formally (a high office, throne, authority, etc.)

2.

to surrender or repudiate (a right, responsibility, etc.)

Derived forms

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

< L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, to deny, renounce < ab-, off + dicare, to proclaim, akin to dicere, to say: see diction

Word Frequency

abdicate

(æbdɪkeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abdicates , present participle abdicating , past tense, past participle abdicated

1. verb

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [VERB]

Synonyms: resign, retire, quit, step down [informal] More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication (æbdɪkeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [usually with poss]

...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: resignation, quitting, retirement, retiral [mainly Scottish] More Synonyms of abdicate

2. verb

If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer.

[formal, disapproval]

Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: renounce, give up, abandon, surrender More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication uncountable noun

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: renunciation, giving up, surrender, abandonment More Synonyms of abdicate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdicate in British English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb

to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

Derived forms

abdicable (ˈæbdɪkəbəl )

adjective

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicative (æbˈdɪkətɪv )

adjective

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim

Word Frequency

abdicate in American English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈabdiˌcated or ˈabdiˌcating

1.

to give up formally (a high office, throne, authority, etc.)

2.

to surrender or repudiate (a right, responsibility, etc.)

Derived forms

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

< L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, to deny, renounce < ab-, off + dicare, to proclaim, akin to dicere, to say: see diction

Word Frequency

abdicate

(æbdɪkeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abdicates , present participle abdicating , past tense, past participle abdicated

1. verb

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [VERB]

Synonyms: resign, retire, quit, step down [informal] More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication (æbdɪkeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [usually with poss]

...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: resignation, quitting, retirement, retiral [mainly Scottish] More Synonyms of abdicate

2. verb

If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer.

[formal, disapproval]

Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: renounce, give up, abandon, surrender More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication uncountable noun

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: renunciation, giving up, surrender, abandonment More Synonyms of abdicate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdicate in British English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb

to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

Derived forms

abdicable (ˈæbdɪkəbəl )

adjective

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicative (æbˈdɪkətɪv )

adjective

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim

Word Frequency

abdicate in American English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈabdiˌcated or ˈabdiˌcating

1.

to give up formally (a high office, throne, authority, etc.)

2.

to surrender or repudiate (a right, responsibility, etc.)

Derived forms

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

< L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, to deny, renounce < ab-, off + dicare, to proclaim, akin to dicere, to say: see diction

Word Frequency

abdicate

(æbdɪkeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abdicates , present participle abdicating , past tense, past participle abdicated

1. verb

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [VERB]

Synonyms: resign, retire, quit, step down [informal] More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication (æbdɪkeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [usually with poss]

...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: resignation, quitting, retirement, retiral [mainly Scottish] More Synonyms of abdicate

2. verb

If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer.

[formal, disapproval]

Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: renounce, give up, abandon, surrender More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication uncountable noun

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: renunciation, giving up, surrender, abandonment More Synonyms of abdicate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdicate in British English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb

to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

Derived forms

abdicable (ˈæbdɪkəbəl )

adjective

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicative (æbˈdɪkətɪv )

adjective

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim

Word Frequency

abdicate in American English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈabdiˌcated or ˈabdiˌcating

1.

to give up formally (a high office, throne, authority, etc.)

2.

to surrender or repudiate (a right, responsibility, etc.)

Derived forms

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

< L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, to deny, renounce < ab-, off + dicare, to proclaim, akin to dicere, to say: see diction

Word Frequency

abdicate

(æbdɪkeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abdicates , present participle abdicating , past tense, past participle abdicated

1. verb

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

The last French king was Louis Philippe, who abdicated in 1848. [VERB]

Synonyms: resign, retire, quit, step down [informal] More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication (æbdɪkeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [usually with poss]

...the most serious royal crisis since the abdication of Edward VIII. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: resignation, quitting, retirement, retiral [mainly Scottish] More Synonyms of abdicate

2. verb

If you say that someone has abdicated responsibility for something, you disapprove of them because they have refused to accept responsibility for it any longer.

[formal, disapproval]

Many parents simply abdicate all responsibility for their children. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: renounce, give up, abandon, surrender More Synonyms of abdicate

abdication uncountable noun

There had been a complete abdication of responsibility. [+ of]

Synonyms: giving up, yielding, surrender, waiving More Synonyms of abdicate

Synonyms: renunciation, giving up, surrender, abandonment More Synonyms of abdicate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdicate in British English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb

to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc), esp formally

Derived forms

abdicable (ˈæbdɪkəbəl )

adjective

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicative (æbˈdɪkətɪv )

adjective

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from the past participle of Latin abdicāre to proclaim away, disclaim

Word Frequency

abdicate in American English

(ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈabdiˌcated or ˈabdiˌcating

1.

to give up formally (a high office, throne, authority, etc.)

2.

to surrender or repudiate (a right, responsibility, etc.)

Derived forms

abdication (ˌabdiˈcation)

noun

abdicator (ˈabdiˌcator)

noun

Word origin

< L abdicatus, pp. of abdicare, to deny, renounce < ab-, off + dicare, to proclaim, akin to dicere, to say: see diction

Word Frequency

abdomen

(æbdəmən , US æbdoʊ- )

Word forms: plural abdomens

countable noun [oft poss NOUN]

Your abdomen is the part of your body below your chest where your stomach and intestines are.

[formal]

He was suffering from pains in his abdomen.

Synonyms: stomach, corporation [informal], guts [slang], belly More Synonyms of abdomen

Video: pronunciation of
abdomen

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Word Frequency

abdomen in British English

(ˈæbdəmən , æbˈdəʊ-)

noun

1.

the region of the body of a vertebrate that contains the viscera other than the heart and lungs. In mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm

2.

the front or surface of this region; belly

▶ Related adjective: coeliac

3.

(in arthropods) the posterior part of the body behind the thorax, consisting of up to ten similar segments

Derived forms

abdominal (æbˈdɒmɪnəl )

adjective

abdominally (abˈdominally)

adverb

Word origin

C16: from Latin; origin obscure

Word Frequency

abdomen in American English

(ˈæbdəmən ; æbˈdoʊmən ; əbˈdoʊmən )

noun

1.

in vertebrates

a.

the part of the body cavity from the thorax to the pelvic girdle, containing the digestive organs, etc.; belly: in mammals, the diaphragm separates this from the thorax

b.

the region of the trunk between the chest and pelvis

2.

in arthropods, the posterior body segment containing the reproductive organs, etc.

Word Frequency

abdomen

(æbdəmən , US æbdoʊ- )

Word forms: plural abdomens

countable noun [oft poss NOUN]

Your abdomen is the part of your body below your chest where your stomach and intestines are.

[formal]

He was suffering from pains in his abdomen.

Synonyms: stomach, corporation [informal], guts [slang], belly More Synonyms of abdomen

Video: pronunciation of
abdomen

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Word Frequency

abdomen in British English

(ˈæbdəmən , æbˈdəʊ-)

noun

1.

the region of the body of a vertebrate that contains the viscera other than the heart and lungs. In mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm

2.

the front or surface of this region; belly

▶ Related adjective: coeliac

3.

(in arthropods) the posterior part of the body behind the thorax, consisting of up to ten similar segments

Derived forms

abdominal (æbˈdɒmɪnəl )

adjective

abdominally (abˈdominally)

adverb

Word origin

C16: from Latin; origin obscure

Word Frequency

abdomen in American English

(ˈæbdəmən ; æbˈdoʊmən ; əbˈdoʊmən )

noun

1.

in vertebrates

a.

the part of the body cavity from the thorax to the pelvic girdle, containing the digestive organs, etc.; belly: in mammals, the diaphragm separates this from the thorax

b.

the region of the trunk between the chest and pelvis

2.

in arthropods, the posterior body segment containing the reproductive organs, etc.

Word Frequency

abdominal

(æbdɒmɪnəl )

adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Abdominal is used to describe something that is situated in the abdomen or forms part of it.

[formal]

...vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Synonyms: gastric, intestinal, visceral, stomachic More Synonyms of abdominal

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Word Frequency

abdominal in American English

(æbˈdɑmənəl ; əbˈdɑmənəl )

adjective

of, in, on, or for the abdomen

Word origin

ModL abdominalis < L abdomen

Word Frequency

abdomen

(æbdəmən , US æbdoʊ- )

Word forms: plural abdomens

countable noun [oft poss NOUN]

Your abdomen is the part of your body below your chest where your stomach and intestines are.

[formal]

He was suffering from pains in his abdomen.

Synonyms: stomach, corporation [informal], guts [slang], belly More Synonyms of abdomen

Video: pronunciation of
abdomen

You may also like

Word Frequency

abdomen in British English

(ˈæbdəmən , æbˈdəʊ-)

noun

1.

the region of the body of a vertebrate that contains the viscera other than the heart and lungs. In mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm

2.

the front or surface of this region; belly

▶ Related adjective: coeliac

3.

(in arthropods) the posterior part of the body behind the thorax, consisting of up to ten similar segments

Derived forms

abdominal (æbˈdɒmɪnəl )

adjective

abdominally (abˈdominally)

adverb

Word origin

C16: from Latin; origin obscure

Word Frequency

abdomen in American English

(ˈæbdəmən ; æbˈdoʊmən ; əbˈdoʊmən )

noun

1.

in vertebrates

a.

the part of the body cavity from the thorax to the pelvic girdle, containing the digestive organs, etc.; belly: in mammals, the diaphragm separates this from the thorax

b.

the region of the trunk between the chest and pelvis

2.

in arthropods, the posterior body segment containing the reproductive organs, etc.

Word Frequency

abdominals

(æbdɒmɪnəlz )

plural noun

You can refer to your abdominal muscles as your abdominals when you are talking about exercise.

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Word Frequency

abdominals in British English

(æbˈdɒmɪnəlz)

plural noun

the abdominal muscles, esp when talking about exercise

In an ordinary sit-up, your abdominals only work for part of the movement.

Word Frequency

abduce in British English

(æbˈdjuːs)

verb (transitive)

obsolete

to abduct

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduce in American English

(æbˈduːs, -ˈdjuːs)

transitive verbWord forms: -duced, -ducing

Physiology

to draw or take away; abduct

Word origin

[1530–40; ‹ L abdūcere, equiv. to ab- ab- + dūcere to lead]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, enclosure, saturate, starterab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abduce in British English

(æbˈdjuːs)

verb (transitive)

obsolete

to abduct

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduce in American English

(æbˈduːs, -ˈdjuːs)

transitive verbWord forms: -duced, -ducing

Physiology

to draw or take away; abduct

Word origin

[1530–40; ‹ L abdūcere, equiv. to ab- ab- + dūcere to lead]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, enclosure, saturate, starterab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abducent in British English

(æbˈdjuːsənt )

adjective

(of a muscle) abducting

Word origin

C18: from Latin abdūcent-, abdūcens leading away, from abdūcere, from ab- away + dūcere to lead, carry

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Word Frequency

abducent in American English

(æbˈdusənt ; əbˈdusənt ; æbˈdjusənt ; əbdjusənt )

adjective

Physiology

that abducts

Word origin

L abducens, prp. of abducere, abduct

Word Frequency

abducens nerve in British English

cranial nerve

See full dictionary entry for abducens

Word Frequency

abducens nerve in British English

(æbˈdjuːsənz ) or abducent nerve (æbˈdjuːsənt nɜːv)

noun

either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves, which supply the lateral rectus muscle of the eye

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Word Frequency

abducens nerve in American English

noun

Anatomy

either one of the sixth pair of cranial nerves composed of motor fibers that innervate the lateral rectus muscle of the eye

Also called: abducens, abducent nerve

Word origin

[1900–05]This word is first recorded in the period 1900–05. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: Young Turk, desensitize, elder statesman, hookup, hormone

Word Frequency

abduce in British English

(æbˈdjuːs)

verb (transitive)

obsolete

to abduct

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduce in American English

(æbˈduːs, -ˈdjuːs)

transitive verbWord forms: -duced, -ducing

Physiology

to draw or take away; abduct

Word origin

[1530–40; ‹ L abdūcere, equiv. to ab- ab- + dūcere to lead]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, enclosure, saturate, starterab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abduce in British English

(æbˈdjuːs)

verb (transitive)

obsolete

to abduct

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduce in American English

(æbˈduːs, -ˈdjuːs)

transitive verbWord forms: -duced, -ducing

Physiology

to draw or take away; abduct

Word origin

[1530–40; ‹ L abdūcere, equiv. to ab- ab- + dūcere to lead]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, enclosure, saturate, starterab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abduct

(æbdʌkt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abducts , present participle abducting , past tense, past participle abducted

verb

If someone is abducted by another person, he or she is taken away illegally, usually using force.

His car was held up and he was abducted by four gunmen. [be VERB-ed]

She was charged with abducting a six-month-old child. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: kidnap, seize, carry off, run off with More Synonyms of abduct

abduction (æbdʌkʃən )Word forms: plural abductions variable noun

...the abduction of four youths. [+ of]

Synonyms: kidnapping, seizure, carrying off More Synonyms of abduct

abductor Word forms: plural abductors countable noun

She co-operated with her abductor.

Video: pronunciation of
abduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

Derived forms

abductor (abˈductor)

noun

Word origin

C19: from the past participle of Latin abdūcere to lead away

Word Frequency

abduct in American English

(æbˈdʌkt ; əbˈdʌkt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (a person) away unlawfully and by force or fraud; kidnap

2. Physiology

to pull (a part of the body) away from the median axis: said of a muscle

see also adduct

Derived forms

abductor (abˈductor)

noun

Word origin

< L abductus, pp. of abducere, to lead away < ab-, away + ducere, to lead: see duct

Word Frequency

abduce in British English

(æbˈdjuːs)

verb (transitive)

obsolete

to abduct

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduce in American English

(æbˈduːs, -ˈdjuːs)

transitive verbWord forms: -duced, -ducing

Physiology

to draw or take away; abduct

Word origin

[1530–40; ‹ L abdūcere, equiv. to ab- ab- + dūcere to lead]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, enclosure, saturate, starterab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abduce in British English

(æbˈdjuːs)

verb (transitive)

obsolete

to abduct

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduce in American English

(æbˈduːs, -ˈdjuːs)

transitive verbWord forms: -duced, -ducing

Physiology

to draw or take away; abduct

Word origin

[1530–40; ‹ L abdūcere, equiv. to ab- ab- + dūcere to lead]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, enclosure, saturate, starterab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abduction in British English

(æbˈdʌkʃən )

noun

1.

the act of taking someone away by force or cunning; kidnapping

2.

the action of certain muscles in pulling a leg, arm, etc away from the median axis of the body

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduction in American English

(æbˈdʌkʃən ; əbˈdʌkʃən )

noun

1.

an abducting or being abducted

2. Law

the carrying off of a person by force or fraud; esp., the kidnapping of a woman for marriage, prostitution, etc.

3. Physiology

a.

an abducting of a part of the body

b.

the changed position resulting from this

Word origin

LL abductio: see abduct

Word Frequency

abduct

(æbdʌkt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abducts , present participle abducting , past tense, past participle abducted

verb

If someone is abducted by another person, he or she is taken away illegally, usually using force.

His car was held up and he was abducted by four gunmen. [be VERB-ed]

She was charged with abducting a six-month-old child. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: kidnap, seize, carry off, run off with More Synonyms of abduct

abduction (æbdʌkʃən )Word forms: plural abductions variable noun

...the abduction of four youths. [+ of]

Synonyms: kidnapping, seizure, carrying off More Synonyms of abduct

abductor Word forms: plural abductors countable noun

She co-operated with her abductor.

Video: pronunciation of
abduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

Derived forms

abductor (abˈductor)

noun

Word origin

C19: from the past participle of Latin abdūcere to lead away

Word Frequency

abduct in American English

(æbˈdʌkt ; əbˈdʌkt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (a person) away unlawfully and by force or fraud; kidnap

2. Physiology

to pull (a part of the body) away from the median axis: said of a muscle

see also adduct

Derived forms

abductor (abˈductor)

noun

Word origin

< L abductus, pp. of abducere, to lead away < ab-, away + ducere, to lead: see duct

Word Frequency

abduct

(æbdʌkt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abducts , present participle abducting , past tense, past participle abducted

verb

If someone is abducted by another person, he or she is taken away illegally, usually using force.

His car was held up and he was abducted by four gunmen. [be VERB-ed]

She was charged with abducting a six-month-old child. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: kidnap, seize, carry off, run off with More Synonyms of abduct

abduction (æbdʌkʃən )Word forms: plural abductions variable noun

...the abduction of four youths. [+ of]

Synonyms: kidnapping, seizure, carrying off More Synonyms of abduct

abductor Word forms: plural abductors countable noun

She co-operated with her abductor.

Video: pronunciation of
abduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

Derived forms

abductor (abˈductor)

noun

Word origin

C19: from the past participle of Latin abdūcere to lead away

Word Frequency

abduct in American English

(æbˈdʌkt ; əbˈdʌkt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (a person) away unlawfully and by force or fraud; kidnap

2. Physiology

to pull (a part of the body) away from the median axis: said of a muscle

see also adduct

Derived forms

abductor (abˈductor)

noun

Word origin

< L abductus, pp. of abducere, to lead away < ab-, away + ducere, to lead: see duct

Word Frequency

abduct

(æbdʌkt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abducts , present participle abducting , past tense, past participle abducted

verb

If someone is abducted by another person, he or she is taken away illegally, usually using force.

His car was held up and he was abducted by four gunmen. [be VERB-ed]

She was charged with abducting a six-month-old child. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: kidnap, seize, carry off, run off with More Synonyms of abduct

abduction (æbdʌkʃən )Word forms: plural abductions variable noun

...the abduction of four youths. [+ of]

Synonyms: kidnapping, seizure, carrying off More Synonyms of abduct

abductor Word forms: plural abductors countable noun

She co-operated with her abductor.

Video: pronunciation of
abduct

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'Former Scottish counties'

Word Frequency

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

Derived forms

abductor (abˈductor)

noun

Word origin

C19: from the past participle of Latin abdūcere to lead away

Word Frequency

abduct in American English

(æbˈdʌkt ; əbˈdʌkt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (a person) away unlawfully and by force or fraud; kidnap

2. Physiology

to pull (a part of the body) away from the median axis: said of a muscle

see also adduct

Derived forms

abductor (abˈductor)

noun

Word origin

< L abductus, pp. of abducere, to lead away < ab-, away + ducere, to lead: see duct

Word Frequency

abduce in British English

(æbˈdjuːs)

verb (transitive)

obsolete

to abduct

abduct in British English

(æbˈdʌkt )

verb (transitive)

1.

to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap

2.

(of certain muscles) to pull (a leg, arm, etc) away from the median axis of the body

Compare adduct

You may also like

Word Frequency

abduce in American English

(æbˈduːs, -ˈdjuːs)

transitive verbWord forms: -duced, -ducing

Physiology

to draw or take away; abduct

Word origin

[1530–40; ‹ L abdūcere, equiv. to ab- ab- + dūcere to lead]This word is first recorded in the period 1530–40. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogy, area, enclosure, saturate, starterab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

be at a loss

phrase

If you say that you are at a loss, you mean that you do not know what to do in a particular situation.

I was at a loss for what to do next.

The government is at a loss to know how to tackle the violence.

See full dictionary entry for loss

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Word Frequency

abeam in British English

(əˈbiːm )

adverb, adjective

(postpositive)

at right angles to the length and directly opposite the centre of a vessel or aircraft

Word origin

C19: a-2 + beam

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Word Frequency

abeam in American English

(əˈbim )

adverb, adjective

1.

at right angles to a ship's length or keel

2.

abreast (of) the middle of a ship's side

Word origin

a-1 + beam

Word Frequency

abecedarian in British English

(ˌeɪbiːsiːˈdɛərɪən )

noun

1.

a person who is learning the alphabet or the rudiments of a subject

adjective

2.

alphabetically arranged

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin abecedarius, from the letters a, b, c, d

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Word Frequency

abecedarian in American English

(ˌeɪbisiˈdɛriən )

noun

1.

a person learning the alphabet; beginning student

2.

any beginner or novice

adjective

3.

of the alphabet

4.

elementary

Word origin

ML abecedarius < A, B, C, D

Word Frequency

abecedarian in British English

(ˌeɪbiːsiːˈdɛərɪən )

noun

1.

a person who is learning the alphabet or the rudiments of a subject

adjective

2.

alphabetically arranged

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin abecedarius, from the letters a, b, c, d

You may also like

Word Frequency

abecedarian in American English

(ˌeɪbisiˈdɛriən )

noun

1.

a person learning the alphabet; beginning student

2.

any beginner or novice

adjective

3.

of the alphabet

4.

elementary

Word origin

ML abecedarius < A, B, C, D

Word Frequency

abed in British English

(əˈbɛd )

adverb

archaic

in bed

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Word Frequency

abed in American English

(əˈbɛd )

adverb, adjective

in bed; on a bed

Word origin

ME abedde < OE on bedde: see a-1 & bed

Word Frequency

Abednego in British English

(əˈbɛdnɪˌɡəʊ )

noun

Old Testament

one of Daniel's three companions who, together with Shadrach and Meshach, was miraculously saved from destruction in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace ( Daniel 3:12–30)

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Word Frequency

Abednego in American English

(əˈbɛdnəˌgoʊ )

noun

Bible

one of the three captives who came out of the fiery furnace unharmed: Dan. 3:12-27

Word origin

Aram aved nego, prob., lit., servant of Nego

Word Frequency

Abel in British English

(ˈeɪbəl )

noun

Old Testament

the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd, murdered by his brother Cain ( Genesis 4:1–8)

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Word Frequency

Abel in American English

(ˈeɪbəl )

noun

1.

a masculine name

2. Bible

the second son of Adam and Eve, killed by his brother Cain: Gen. 4

Word origin

L < Gr Abel < ? Heb hevel, lit., breath

Word Frequency

Abel in British English

(ˈeɪbəl )

noun

Old Testament

the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd, murdered by his brother Cain ( Genesis 4:1–8)

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Word Frequency

Abel in American English

(ˈeɪbəl )

noun

1.

a masculine name

2. Bible

the second son of Adam and Eve, killed by his brother Cain: Gen. 4

Word origin

L < Gr Abel < ? Heb hevel, lit., breath

Word Frequency

Abel in British English

(ˈeɪbəl )

noun

Old Testament

the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd, murdered by his brother Cain ( Genesis 4:1–8)

You may also like

Word Frequency

Abel in American English

(ˈeɪbəl )

noun

1.

a masculine name

2. Bible

the second son of Adam and Eve, killed by his brother Cain: Gen. 4

Word origin

L < Gr Abel < ? Heb hevel, lit., breath

Word Frequency

Abelard in British English

(ˈæbəˌlɑːd )

noun

Peter. French name Pierre Abé lard. 1079–1142, French scholastic philosopher and theologian whose works include Historia Calamitatum and Sic et Non (1121). His love for Héloïse is recorded in their correspondence

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Word Frequency

Abélard in American English

(abeɪˈlaʀ)

Pierre1079-1142; Fr. philosopher, teacher, & theologian

see also Héloïse: Eng. name Peter Abelard (ˈæbəˌlɑrd )

Word Frequency

abele in British English

(əˈbiːl , ˈeɪbəl )

noun

another name for white poplar

Word origin

C16: from Dutch abeel, ultimately related to Latin albus white

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Word Frequency

abele in American English

(əˈbil ; ˈeɪˌbil ; ˈeɪbəl )

noun

white poplar (sense 1)

Word origin

Du abeel < OFr abel, aubel < ML albellus, dim. of L albus, white

Word Frequency

abele in British English

(əˈbiːl , ˈeɪbəl )

noun

another name for white poplar

Word origin

C16: from Dutch abeel, ultimately related to Latin albus white

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Word Frequency

abele in American English

(əˈbil ; ˈeɪˌbil ; ˈeɪbəl )

noun

white poplar (sense 1)

Word origin

Du abeel < OFr abel, aubel < ML albellus, dim. of L albus, white

Word Frequency

abelia in British English

(əˈbiːlɪə)

noun

an ornamental garden shrub with pink or white flowers

Image of
abelia

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Word Frequency

abelia in American English

(əˈbiljə ; əˈbiliə )

noun

any of a genus (Abelia) of evergreen or deciduous ornamental shrubs of the honeysuckle family with clusters of fragrant, white, pink, or purple flowers

Word Frequency

Abelian in British English

(əˈbiːlɪən)

adjective

mathematics

of or relating to an Abelian group

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Word Frequency

Abelian in American English

(əˈbiliən, əˈbiljən)

adjective Math

1.

of or pertaining to Niels Henrik Abel or his theorems

2.

pertaining to an algebraic system in which an operation is commutative

an Abelian group

3.

pertaining to such an operation

Word origin

[1905–10; abel + -ian]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: airway, aspect ratio, cadre, scrounge, thiamine-ian is a suffix occurring originally in adjectives borrowed from Latin, formed from nouns denoting places (Italian) or persons (Flavian), and now productively forming English adjectives by extension of the Latin pattern. Attached to geographical names, it denotes provenance or membership (Washingtonian), the latter sense now extended to membership in social classes, religious denominations, etc. (Episcopalian; pedestrian). Attached to personal names, it has the additional senses “contemporary with” ( Victorian) or “proponent of” (Hegelian; Freudian) the person specified by the noun base. It also occurs in a set of personal nouns, mainly loanwords from French, denoting one who engages in, practices, or works with the referent of the base noun (comedian; grammarian; theologian)

Word Frequency

Abelian in British English

(əˈbiːlɪən)

adjective

mathematics

of or relating to an Abelian group

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Word Frequency

Abelian in American English

(əˈbiliən, əˈbiljən)

adjective Math

1.

of or pertaining to Niels Henrik Abel or his theorems

2.

pertaining to an algebraic system in which an operation is commutative

an Abelian group

3.

pertaining to such an operation

Word origin

[1905–10; abel + -ian]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: airway, aspect ratio, cadre, scrounge, thiamine-ian is a suffix occurring originally in adjectives borrowed from Latin, formed from nouns denoting places (Italian) or persons (Flavian), and now productively forming English adjectives by extension of the Latin pattern. Attached to geographical names, it denotes provenance or membership (Washingtonian), the latter sense now extended to membership in social classes, religious denominations, etc. (Episcopalian; pedestrian). Attached to personal names, it has the additional senses “contemporary with” ( Victorian) or “proponent of” (Hegelian; Freudian) the person specified by the noun base. It also occurs in a set of personal nouns, mainly loanwords from French, denoting one who engages in, practices, or works with the referent of the base noun (comedian; grammarian; theologian)

Word Frequency

Aberdeen in British English 1

(ˌæbəˈdiːn )

noun

1.

a city in NE Scotland, on the North Sea: centre for processing North Sea oil and gas; university (1494). Pop: 184 788 (2001)

2. City of Aberdeen

Word Frequency

Aberdeen in British English 2

(ˌæbəˈdiːn )

noun

George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of. 1784–1860, British statesman. He was foreign secretary under Wellington (1828) and Peel (1841–46); became prime minister of a coalition ministry in 1852 but was compelled to resign after mismanagement of the Crimean War (1855)

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Word Frequency

Aberdeen in American English

(ˌæbərˈdin ; for 3, ˈæbərˌdin )

1.

administrative division of E Scotland

formerly a county

2.

fishing port in E Scotland, on the North Sea: district pop. 205,000

3.

town in NW Md.: pop. 14,000: site of Aberdeen Proving Ground of the U.S. Army

Derived forms

Aberdonian (ˌAberˈdonian) (ˌAbɛrˈdoʊniən)

adjective, noun

Word Frequency

Aberdeen in British English 1

(ˌæbəˈdiːn )

noun

1.

a city in NE Scotland, on the North Sea: centre for processing North Sea oil and gas; university (1494). Pop: 184 788 (2001)

2. City of Aberdeen

Word Frequency

Aberdeen in British English 2

(ˌæbəˈdiːn )

noun

George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of. 1784–1860, British statesman. He was foreign secretary under Wellington (1828) and Peel (1841–46); became prime minister of a coalition ministry in 1852 but was compelled to resign after mismanagement of the Crimean War (1855)

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'Former Scottish counties'

Word Frequency

Aberdeen in American English

(ˌæbərˈdin ; for 3, ˈæbərˌdin )

1.

administrative division of E Scotland

formerly a county

2.

fishing port in E Scotland, on the North Sea: district pop. 205,000

3.

town in NW Md.: pop. 14,000: site of Aberdeen Proving Ground of the U.S. Army

Derived forms

Aberdonian (ˌAberˈdonian) (ˌAbɛrˈdoʊniən)

adjective, noun

Abernathy in American English

(ˈæbərˌnæθi )

Ralph David1926-90; U.S. clergyman & civil rights leader

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Abernathy in American English

(ˈæbərˌnæθi)

noun

Ralph (David) 1926–90, U.S. clergyman and civil-rights leader

Word Frequency

aberrant

(æberənt )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable.

[formal]

Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened.

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Word Frequency

aberrant in British English

(æˈbɛrənt )

adjective

1.

deviating from the normal or usual type, as certain animals from the group in which they are classified

2.

behaving in an abnormal or untypical way

3.

deviating from truth, morality, etc

Derived forms

aberrance (abˈerrance) or aberrancy (abˈerrancy)

noun

aberrantly (aˈberrantly)

adverb

Word origin

rare before c19: from the present participle of Latin aberrāre to wander away

Word Frequency

aberrant in American English

(ˈæbərənt ; əˈbɛrənt )

adjective

1.

turning away from what is right, true, etc.

2.

deviating from what is normal or typical

noun

3.

an aberrant person or thing

Derived forms

aberrance (abˈerrance) (æˌbɛrəns ; əˈbɛrəns )

noun or abˈerrancy (æˌbɛrənsi ; əˈbɛrənsi )

Word origin

< L aberrans, prp. of aberrare, to go astray < ab-, from + errare, to wander: see err

Word Frequency

aberrant

(æberənt )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable.

[formal]

Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened.

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Word Frequency

aberrant in British English

(æˈbɛrənt )

adjective

1.

deviating from the normal or usual type, as certain animals from the group in which they are classified

2.

behaving in an abnormal or untypical way

3.

deviating from truth, morality, etc

Derived forms

aberrance (abˈerrance) or aberrancy (abˈerrancy)

noun

aberrantly (aˈberrantly)

adverb

Word origin

rare before c19: from the present participle of Latin aberrāre to wander away

Word Frequency

aberrant in American English

(ˈæbərənt ; əˈbɛrənt )

adjective

1.

turning away from what is right, true, etc.

2.

deviating from what is normal or typical

noun

3.

an aberrant person or thing

Derived forms

aberrance (abˈerrance) (æˌbɛrəns ; əˈbɛrəns )

noun or abˈerrancy (æˌbɛrənsi ; əˈbɛrənsi )

Word origin

< L aberrans, prp. of aberrare, to go astray < ab-, from + errare, to wander: see err

Word Frequency

aberrant

(æberənt )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable.

[formal]

Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened.

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Word Frequency

aberrant in British English

(æˈbɛrənt )

adjective

1.

deviating from the normal or usual type, as certain animals from the group in which they are classified

2.

behaving in an abnormal or untypical way

3.

deviating from truth, morality, etc

Derived forms

aberrance (abˈerrance) or aberrancy (abˈerrancy)

noun

aberrantly (aˈberrantly)

adverb

Word origin

rare before c19: from the present participle of Latin aberrāre to wander away

Word Frequency

aberrant in American English

(ˈæbərənt ; əˈbɛrənt )

adjective

1.

turning away from what is right, true, etc.

2.

deviating from what is normal or typical

noun

3.

an aberrant person or thing

Derived forms

aberrance (abˈerrance) (æˌbɛrəns ; əˈbɛrəns )

noun or abˈerrancy (æˌbɛrənsi ; əˈbɛrənsi )

Word origin

< L aberrans, prp. of aberrare, to go astray < ab-, from + errare, to wander: see err

Word Frequency

aberrant

(æberənt )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable.

[formal]

Ian's rages and aberrant behavior worsened.

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Word Frequency

aberrant in British English

(æˈbɛrənt )

adjective

1.

deviating from the normal or usual type, as certain animals from the group in which they are classified

2.

behaving in an abnormal or untypical way

3.

deviating from truth, morality, etc

Derived forms

aberrance (abˈerrance) or aberrancy (abˈerrancy)

noun

aberrantly (aˈberrantly)

adverb

Word origin

rare before c19: from the present participle of Latin aberrāre to wander away

Word Frequency

aberrant in American English

(ˈæbərənt ; əˈbɛrənt )

adjective

1.

turning away from what is right, true, etc.

2.

deviating from what is normal or typical

noun

3.

an aberrant person or thing

Derived forms

aberrance (abˈerrance) (æˌbɛrəns ; əˈbɛrəns )

noun or abˈerrancy (æˌbɛrənsi ; əˈbɛrənsi )

Word origin

< L aberrans, prp. of aberrare, to go astray < ab-, from + errare, to wander: see err

Word Frequency

aberration

(æbəreɪʃən )

Word forms: plural aberrations

1. variable noun

An aberration is an incident or way of behaving that is not typical.

[formal]

It became very clear that the incident was not just an aberration.

Synonyms: anomaly, exception, defect, abnormality More Synonyms of aberration

2. variable noun

If someone considers a person or their behaviour to be an aberration, they think that they are strange and not socially acceptable.

[formal, disapproval]

Single people are treated as an aberration and made to pay a supplement.

Synonyms: oddity, abnormality, rarity, eccentricity More Synonyms of aberration

More Synonyms of aberration

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Word Frequency

aberration in British English

(ˌæbəˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

deviation from what is normal, expected, or usual

2.

departure from truth, morality, etc

3.

a lapse in control of one's mental faculties

4. optics

a defect in a lens or mirror that causes the formation of either a distorted image or one with coloured fringes

5. astronomy

the apparent displacement of a celestial body due to the finite speed of light and the motion of the observer with the earth

Word Frequency

aberration in American English

(ˌæbərˈeɪʃən )

noun

1.

a departure from what is right, true, correct, etc.

2.

a deviation from the normal or the typical

3.

mental derangement or lapse

4. Astronomy

a small, periodic apparent change in the observed position of a celestial object, caused by the constantly changing position of the earth and the finite speed of the object's light

5. Optics

a.

the failure of light rays from one point to converge at a single focus

b.

a fault in a lens or mirror causing such failure

Derived forms

aberrational (ˌaberˈrational)

adjective

Word origin

L abberatio < aberrare: see aberrant

Word Frequency

aberration

(æbəreɪʃən )

Word forms: plural aberrations

1. variable noun

An aberration is an incident or way of behaving that is not typical.

[formal]

It became very clear that the incident was not just an aberration.

Synonyms: anomaly, exception, defect, abnormality More Synonyms of aberration

2. variable noun

If someone considers a person or their behaviour to be an aberration, they think that they are strange and not socially acceptable.

[formal, disapproval]

Single people are treated as an aberration and made to pay a supplement.

Synonyms: oddity, abnormality, rarity, eccentricity More Synonyms of aberration

More Synonyms of aberration

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Word Frequency

aberration in British English

(ˌæbəˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

deviation from what is normal, expected, or usual

2.

departure from truth, morality, etc

3.

a lapse in control of one's mental faculties

4. optics

a defect in a lens or mirror that causes the formation of either a distorted image or one with coloured fringes

5. astronomy

the apparent displacement of a celestial body due to the finite speed of light and the motion of the observer with the earth

Word Frequency

aberration in American English

(ˌæbərˈeɪʃən )

noun

1.

a departure from what is right, true, correct, etc.

2.

a deviation from the normal or the typical

3.

mental derangement or lapse

4. Astronomy

a small, periodic apparent change in the observed position of a celestial object, caused by the constantly changing position of the earth and the finite speed of the object's light

5. Optics

a.

the failure of light rays from one point to converge at a single focus

b.

a fault in a lens or mirror causing such failure

Derived forms

aberrational (ˌaberˈrational)

adjective

Word origin

L abberatio < aberrare: see aberrant

abessive in British English

(æbˈɛsɪv)

noun

linguistics

the grammatical case indicating absence

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abessive in American English

(æˈbesɪv)

Grammar

adjective

1.

noting a case, as in Finnish, whose distinctive function is to indicate absence or lack

noun

2.

the abessive case

Word origin

[1890–94; ‹ L abess(e) to be distant + -ive]-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

abet

(əbet )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abets , present participle abetting , past tense, past participle abetted

1. verb

If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression ' aid and abet'.

[law, formal]

His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and abetting him. [VERB noun]

2. verb

To abet something, especially something bad or undesirable, means to make it possible.

[journalism, or formal, disapproval]

The media have also abetted the feeling of unreality. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: encourage, further, forward, promote More Synonyms of abet

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Word Frequency

abet in British English

(əˈbɛt )

verbWord forms: abets, abetting or abetted

(transitive)

to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment) or abettal (aˈbettal)

noun

abetter (aˈbetter) or especially law abettor (aˈbettor)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait

Word Frequency

abet in American English

(əˈbɛt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbetted or aˈbetting

to incite, sanction, or help, esp. in wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment)

noun

abettor (aˈbettor)

noun or aˈbetter

Word origin

ME abetten < OFr abeter, to incite < a-, to + beter, to bait < ON beita: see bait

Word Frequency

abet

(əbet )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abets , present participle abetting , past tense, past participle abetted

1. verb

If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression ' aid and abet'.

[law, formal]

His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and abetting him. [VERB noun]

2. verb

To abet something, especially something bad or undesirable, means to make it possible.

[journalism, or formal, disapproval]

The media have also abetted the feeling of unreality. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: encourage, further, forward, promote More Synonyms of abet

You may also like

Word Frequency

abet in British English

(əˈbɛt )

verbWord forms: abets, abetting or abetted

(transitive)

to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment) or abettal (aˈbettal)

noun

abetter (aˈbetter) or especially law abettor (aˈbettor)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait

Word Frequency

abet in American English

(əˈbɛt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbetted or aˈbetting

to incite, sanction, or help, esp. in wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment)

noun

abettor (aˈbettor)

noun or aˈbetter

Word origin

ME abetten < OFr abeter, to incite < a-, to + beter, to bait < ON beita: see bait

Word Frequency

abet

(əbet )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abets , present participle abetting , past tense, past participle abetted

1. verb

If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression ' aid and abet'.

[law, formal]

His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and abetting him. [VERB noun]

2. verb

To abet something, especially something bad or undesirable, means to make it possible.

[journalism, or formal, disapproval]

The media have also abetted the feeling of unreality. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: encourage, further, forward, promote More Synonyms of abet

You may also like

Word Frequency

abet in British English

(əˈbɛt )

verbWord forms: abets, abetting or abetted

(transitive)

to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment) or abettal (aˈbettal)

noun

abetter (aˈbetter) or especially law abettor (aˈbettor)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait

Word Frequency

abet in American English

(əˈbɛt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbetted or aˈbetting

to incite, sanction, or help, esp. in wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment)

noun

abettor (aˈbettor)

noun or aˈbetter

Word origin

ME abetten < OFr abeter, to incite < a-, to + beter, to bait < ON beita: see bait

Word Frequency

abet

(əbet )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abets , present participle abetting , past tense, past participle abetted

1. verb

If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression ' aid and abet'.

[law, formal]

His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and abetting him. [VERB noun]

2. verb

To abet something, especially something bad or undesirable, means to make it possible.

[journalism, or formal, disapproval]

The media have also abetted the feeling of unreality. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: encourage, further, forward, promote More Synonyms of abet

You may also like

Word Frequency

abet in British English

(əˈbɛt )

verbWord forms: abets, abetting or abetted

(transitive)

to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment) or abettal (aˈbettal)

noun

abetter (aˈbetter) or especially law abettor (aˈbettor)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait

Word Frequency

abet in American English

(əˈbɛt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbetted or aˈbetting

to incite, sanction, or help, esp. in wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment)

noun

abettor (aˈbettor)

noun or aˈbetter

Word origin

ME abetten < OFr abeter, to incite < a-, to + beter, to bait < ON beita: see bait

Word Frequency

abet

(əbet )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abets , present participle abetting , past tense, past participle abetted

1. verb

If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression ' aid and abet'.

[law, formal]

His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and abetting him. [VERB noun]

2. verb

To abet something, especially something bad or undesirable, means to make it possible.

[journalism, or formal, disapproval]

The media have also abetted the feeling of unreality. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: encourage, further, forward, promote More Synonyms of abet

You may also like

Word Frequency

abet in British English

(əˈbɛt )

verbWord forms: abets, abetting or abetted

(transitive)

to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment) or abettal (aˈbettal)

noun

abetter (aˈbetter) or especially law abettor (aˈbettor)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait

Word Frequency

abet in American English

(əˈbɛt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbetted or aˈbetting

to incite, sanction, or help, esp. in wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment)

noun

abettor (aˈbettor)

noun or aˈbetter

Word origin

ME abetten < OFr abeter, to incite < a-, to + beter, to bait < ON beita: see bait

Word Frequency

abet

(əbet )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abets , present participle abetting , past tense, past participle abetted

1. verb

If one person abets another, they help or encourage them to do something criminal or wrong. Abet is often used in the legal expression ' aid and abet'.

[law, formal]

His wife was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for aiding and abetting him. [VERB noun]

2. verb

To abet something, especially something bad or undesirable, means to make it possible.

[journalism, or formal, disapproval]

The media have also abetted the feeling of unreality. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: encourage, further, forward, promote More Synonyms of abet

You may also like

Word Frequency

abet in British English

(əˈbɛt )

verbWord forms: abets, abetting or abetted

(transitive)

to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment) or abettal (aˈbettal)

noun

abetter (aˈbetter) or especially law abettor (aˈbettor)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait

Word Frequency

abet in American English

(əˈbɛt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbetted or aˈbetting

to incite, sanction, or help, esp. in wrongdoing

Derived forms

abetment (aˈbetment)

noun

abettor (aˈbettor)

noun or aˈbetter

Word origin

ME abetten < OFr abeter, to incite < a-, to + beter, to bait < ON beita: see bait

Word Frequency

abeyance

(əbeɪəns )

See in abeyance

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Word Frequency

abeyance in British English

(əˈbeɪəns ) or abeyancy (əˈbeɪənsɪ)

noun

1. (usually preceded by in or into)

a state of being suspended or put aside temporarily

2. (usually preceded by in) law

an indeterminate state of ownership, as when the person entitled to an estate has not been ascertained

Derived forms

abeyant (aˈbeyant)

adjective

Word origin

C16-17: from Anglo-French, from Old French abeance expectation, literally a gaping after, a reaching towards

Word Frequency

abeyance in American English

(əˈbeɪəns )

noun

1.

temporary suspension, as of an activity or function

2. Law

a state of not having been determined or settled, as of lands the present ownership of which has not been established

Word origin

Anglo-Fr abeiance < OFr abeance, expectation < a-, to, at + bayer, to gape, wait expectantly: see bay2

Word Frequency

abeyance

(əbeɪəns )

See in abeyance

You may also like

Word Frequency

abeyance in British English

(əˈbeɪəns ) or abeyancy (əˈbeɪənsɪ)

noun

1. (usually preceded by in or into)

a state of being suspended or put aside temporarily

2. (usually preceded by in) law

an indeterminate state of ownership, as when the person entitled to an estate has not been ascertained

Derived forms

abeyant (aˈbeyant)

adjective

Word origin

C16-17: from Anglo-French, from Old French abeance expectation, literally a gaping after, a reaching towards

Word Frequency

abeyance in American English

(əˈbeɪəns )

noun

1.

temporary suspension, as of an activity or function

2. Law

a state of not having been determined or settled, as of lands the present ownership of which has not been established

Word origin

Anglo-Fr abeiance < OFr abeance, expectation < a-, to, at + bayer, to gape, wait expectantly: see bay2

Word Frequency

abhominable in British English

(əˈbɒmɪnəbəl)

adjective

another word for abominable

abominable in British English

(əˈbɒmɪnəbəl )

adjective

1.

offensive; loathsome; detestable

2. informal

very bad, unpleasant, or inferior

abominable weather

abominable workmanship

Derived forms

abominably (aˈbominably)

adverb

Word origin

C14: from Latin abōminābilis, from abōminārī to abominate

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Word Frequency

abhominable in American English

(æbˈhɑmənəbəl)

adjective

obsolete

abominable

Word origin

[1325–75; ME ‹ ML abhominābilis, alter. of L abōminābilis abominable, by assoc. with phrase ab homine from man, inhuman]This word is first recorded in the period 1325–75. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: border, division, glaze, position, reduce

Word Frequency

abhor

(æbhɔːʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abhors , present participle abhorring , past tense, past participle abhorred

verb

If you abhor something, you hate it very much, especially for moral reasons.

[formal]

He was a man who abhorred violence and was deeply committed to reconciliation. [VERB noun]

If nature abhors a vacuum, journalists abhor a transition, when there is little news to cover. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: hate, loathe, despise, detest More Synonyms of abhor

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Word Frequency

abhor in British English

(əbˈhɔː )

verbWord forms: -hors, -horring or -horred

(transitive)

to detest vehemently; find repugnant; reject

Derived forms

abhorrer (abˈhorrer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin abhorrēre to shudder at, shrink from, from ab- away from + horrēre to bristle, shudder

Word Frequency

abhor in American English

(æbˈhɔr ; əbhɔr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈhorred or abˈhorring

to shrink from in disgust, hatred, etc.; detest

SIMILAR WORDS: hate

Derived forms

abhorrer (abˈhorrer)

noun

Word origin

ME abhorren < L abhorrere < ab-, away, from + horrere, to shudder: see horrid

Word Frequency

abhorrence

(æbhɒrəns , US -hɔːr- )

uncountable noun [oft poss NOUN]

Someone's abhorrence of something is their strong hatred of it.

[formal]

They are anxious to show their abhorrence of racism. [+ of]

Synonyms: hatred, hate, horror, disgust More Synonyms of abhorrence

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Word Frequency

abhorrence in British English

(əbˈhɒrəns ) or abhorrency (əbˈhɒrənsɪ)

noun

1.

a feeling of extreme loathing or aversion

2.

a person or thing that is loathsome

Word Frequency

abhorrence in American English

(æbˈhɔrəns ; æbˈhɑrəns )

noun

1.

an abhorring; loathing; detestation

2.

something abhorred; something repugnant

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈversion

Word Frequency

abhorrence

(æbhɒrəns , US -hɔːr- )

uncountable noun [oft poss NOUN]

Someone's abhorrence of something is their strong hatred of it.

[formal]

They are anxious to show their abhorrence of racism. [+ of]

Synonyms: hatred, hate, horror, disgust More Synonyms of abhorrence

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Word Frequency

abhorrence in British English

(əbˈhɒrəns ) or abhorrency (əbˈhɒrənsɪ)

noun

1.

a feeling of extreme loathing or aversion

2.

a person or thing that is loathsome

Word Frequency

abhorrence in American English

(æbˈhɔrəns ; æbˈhɑrəns )

noun

1.

an abhorring; loathing; detestation

2.

something abhorred; something repugnant

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈversion

Word Frequency

abhorrent

(æbhɒrənt , US -hɔːr- )

adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If something is abhorrent to you, you hate it very much or consider it completely unacceptable.

[formal]

Racial discrimination is abhorrent to my council and our staff. [+ to]

There are many people who still find the act of abortion abhorrent.

Synonyms: hateful, hated, offensive, disgusting More Synonyms of abhorrent

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Word Frequency

abhorrent in British English

(əbˈhɒrənt )

adjective

1.

repugnant; loathsome

2. (when postpositive, foll by of)

feeling extreme aversion or loathing (for)

abhorrent of vulgarity

3. (usually postpositive and foll by to)

conflicting (with)

abhorrent to common sense

Derived forms

abhorrently (abˈhorrently)

adverb

Word Frequency

abhorrent in American English

(æbˈhɔrənt ; æbˈhɑrənt )

adjective

1.

causing disgust, hatred, etc.; detestable

an abhorrent crime

2.

feeling abhorrence

3.

opposed or contrary (to)

abhorrent to his principles

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈhateful

Derived forms

abhorrently (abˈhorrently)

adverb

Word origin

L abhorrens, prp. of abhorrere, abhor

Word Frequency

abhorrent

(æbhɒrənt , US -hɔːr- )

adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If something is abhorrent to you, you hate it very much or consider it completely unacceptable.

[formal]

Racial discrimination is abhorrent to my council and our staff. [+ to]

There are many people who still find the act of abortion abhorrent.

Synonyms: hateful, hated, offensive, disgusting More Synonyms of abhorrent

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Word Frequency

abhorrent in British English

(əbˈhɒrənt )

adjective

1.

repugnant; loathsome

2. (when postpositive, foll by of)

feeling extreme aversion or loathing (for)

abhorrent of vulgarity

3. (usually postpositive and foll by to)

conflicting (with)

abhorrent to common sense

Derived forms

abhorrently (abˈhorrently)

adverb

Word Frequency

abhorrent in American English

(æbˈhɔrənt ; æbˈhɑrənt )

adjective

1.

causing disgust, hatred, etc.; detestable

an abhorrent crime

2.

feeling abhorrence

3.

opposed or contrary (to)

abhorrent to his principles

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈhateful

Derived forms

abhorrently (abˈhorrently)

adverb

Word origin

L abhorrens, prp. of abhorrere, abhor

Word Frequency

abhor

(æbhɔːʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abhors , present participle abhorring , past tense, past participle abhorred

verb

If you abhor something, you hate it very much, especially for moral reasons.

[formal]

He was a man who abhorred violence and was deeply committed to reconciliation. [VERB noun]

If nature abhors a vacuum, journalists abhor a transition, when there is little news to cover. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: hate, loathe, despise, detest More Synonyms of abhor

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Word Frequency

abhor in British English

(əbˈhɔː )

verbWord forms: -hors, -horring or -horred

(transitive)

to detest vehemently; find repugnant; reject

Derived forms

abhorrer (abˈhorrer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin abhorrēre to shudder at, shrink from, from ab- away from + horrēre to bristle, shudder

Word Frequency

abhor in American English

(æbˈhɔr ; əbhɔr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈhorred or abˈhorring

to shrink from in disgust, hatred, etc.; detest

SIMILAR WORDS: hate

Derived forms

abhorrer (abˈhorrer)

noun

Word origin

ME abhorren < L abhorrere < ab-, away, from + horrere, to shudder: see horrid

Word Frequency

abhor

(æbhɔːʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abhors , present participle abhorring , past tense, past participle abhorred

verb

If you abhor something, you hate it very much, especially for moral reasons.

[formal]

He was a man who abhorred violence and was deeply committed to reconciliation. [VERB noun]

If nature abhors a vacuum, journalists abhor a transition, when there is little news to cover. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: hate, loathe, despise, detest More Synonyms of abhor

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Word Frequency

abhor in British English

(əbˈhɔː )

verbWord forms: -hors, -horring or -horred

(transitive)

to detest vehemently; find repugnant; reject

Derived forms

abhorrer (abˈhorrer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin abhorrēre to shudder at, shrink from, from ab- away from + horrēre to bristle, shudder

Word Frequency

abhor in American English

(æbˈhɔr ; əbhɔr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈhorred or abˈhorring

to shrink from in disgust, hatred, etc.; detest

SIMILAR WORDS: hate

Derived forms

abhorrer (abˈhorrer)

noun

Word origin

ME abhorren < L abhorrere < ab-, away, from + horrere, to shudder: see horrid

Word Frequency

abide

(əbaɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abides , present participle abiding , past tense, past participle abided

1.

See can't abide

2. See also abiding, law-abiding

Phrasal verbs:

See abide by

Video: pronunciation of
abide

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Word Frequency

abide in British English

(əˈbaɪd )

verbWord forms: abides, abiding, abode or abided

1. (transitive)

to tolerate; put up with

2. (transitive)

to accept or submit to; suffer

to abide the court's decision

3. (intransitive; foll by by)

a.

to comply (with)

to abide by the decision

b.

to remain faithful (to)

to abide by your promise

4. (intransitive)

to remain or continue

5. (intransitive) archaic

to dwell

6. (transitive) archaic

to await in expectation

7. (transitive) archaic

to withstand or sustain; endure

to abide the onslaught

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

Old English ābīdan, from a- (intensive) + bīdan to wait, bide

Word Frequency

abide in American English

(əˈbaɪd )

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbode (əˈboʊd ) or aˈbided, aˈbiding

1.

to stand fast; remain; go on being

2. Archaic

to stay; reside (in or at)

verb transitive

3.

to await

4.

to submit to; put up with

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈtinue, stay

Idioms:

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

ME abiden < OE ābīdan < ā-, intens. + bīdan, bide

Word Frequency

abide

(əbaɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abides , present participle abiding , past tense, past participle abided

1.

See can't abide

2. See also abiding, law-abiding

Phrasal verbs:

See abide by

Video: pronunciation of
abide

You may also like

Word Frequency

abide in British English

(əˈbaɪd )

verbWord forms: abides, abiding, abode or abided

1. (transitive)

to tolerate; put up with

2. (transitive)

to accept or submit to; suffer

to abide the court's decision

3. (intransitive; foll by by)

a.

to comply (with)

to abide by the decision

b.

to remain faithful (to)

to abide by your promise

4. (intransitive)

to remain or continue

5. (intransitive) archaic

to dwell

6. (transitive) archaic

to await in expectation

7. (transitive) archaic

to withstand or sustain; endure

to abide the onslaught

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

Old English ābīdan, from a- (intensive) + bīdan to wait, bide

Word Frequency

abide in American English

(əˈbaɪd )

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbode (əˈboʊd ) or aˈbided, aˈbiding

1.

to stand fast; remain; go on being

2. Archaic

to stay; reside (in or at)

verb transitive

3.

to await

4.

to submit to; put up with

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈtinue, stay

Idioms:

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

ME abiden < OE ābīdan < ā-, intens. + bīdan, bide

Word Frequency

abide

(əbaɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abides , present participle abiding , past tense, past participle abided

1.

See can't abide

2. See also abiding, law-abiding

Phrasal verbs:

See abide by

Video: pronunciation of
abide

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Word Frequency

abide in British English

(əˈbaɪd )

verbWord forms: abides, abiding, abode or abided

1. (transitive)

to tolerate; put up with

2. (transitive)

to accept or submit to; suffer

to abide the court's decision

3. (intransitive; foll by by)

a.

to comply (with)

to abide by the decision

b.

to remain faithful (to)

to abide by your promise

4. (intransitive)

to remain or continue

5. (intransitive) archaic

to dwell

6. (transitive) archaic

to await in expectation

7. (transitive) archaic

to withstand or sustain; endure

to abide the onslaught

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

Old English ābīdan, from a- (intensive) + bīdan to wait, bide

Word Frequency

abide in American English

(əˈbaɪd )

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbode (əˈboʊd ) or aˈbided, aˈbiding

1.

to stand fast; remain; go on being

2. Archaic

to stay; reside (in or at)

verb transitive

3.

to await

4.

to submit to; put up with

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈtinue, stay

Idioms:

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

ME abiden < OE ābīdan < ā-, intens. + bīdan, bide

Word Frequency

abide

(əbaɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abides , present participle abiding , past tense, past participle abided

1.

See can't abide

2. See also abiding, law-abiding

Phrasal verbs:

See abide by

Video: pronunciation of
abide

You may also like

Word Frequency

abide in British English

(əˈbaɪd )

verbWord forms: abides, abiding, abode or abided

1. (transitive)

to tolerate; put up with

2. (transitive)

to accept or submit to; suffer

to abide the court's decision

3. (intransitive; foll by by)

a.

to comply (with)

to abide by the decision

b.

to remain faithful (to)

to abide by your promise

4. (intransitive)

to remain or continue

5. (intransitive) archaic

to dwell

6. (transitive) archaic

to await in expectation

7. (transitive) archaic

to withstand or sustain; endure

to abide the onslaught

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

Old English ābīdan, from a- (intensive) + bīdan to wait, bide

Word Frequency

abide in American English

(əˈbaɪd )

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbode (əˈboʊd ) or aˈbided, aˈbiding

1.

to stand fast; remain; go on being

2. Archaic

to stay; reside (in or at)

verb transitive

3.

to await

4.

to submit to; put up with

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈtinue, stay

Idioms:

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

ME abiden < OE ābīdan < ā-, intens. + bīdan, bide

Word Frequency

abide

(əbaɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abides , present participle abiding , past tense, past participle abided

1.

See can't abide

2. See also abiding, law-abiding

Phrasal verbs:

See abide by

Video: pronunciation of
abide

You may also like

Word Frequency

abide in British English

(əˈbaɪd )

verbWord forms: abides, abiding, abode or abided

1. (transitive)

to tolerate; put up with

2. (transitive)

to accept or submit to; suffer

to abide the court's decision

3. (intransitive; foll by by)

a.

to comply (with)

to abide by the decision

b.

to remain faithful (to)

to abide by your promise

4. (intransitive)

to remain or continue

5. (intransitive) archaic

to dwell

6. (transitive) archaic

to await in expectation

7. (transitive) archaic

to withstand or sustain; endure

to abide the onslaught

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

Old English ābīdan, from a- (intensive) + bīdan to wait, bide

Word Frequency

abide in American English

(əˈbaɪd )

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbode (əˈboʊd ) or aˈbided, aˈbiding

1.

to stand fast; remain; go on being

2. Archaic

to stay; reside (in or at)

verb transitive

3.

to await

4.

to submit to; put up with

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈtinue, stay

Idioms:

Derived forms

abidance (aˈbidance)

noun

abider (aˈbider)

noun

Word origin

ME abiden < OE ābīdan < ā-, intens. + bīdan, bide

Word Frequency

abiding

(əbaɪdɪŋ )

adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An abiding feeling, memory, or interest is one that you have for a very long time.

He has a genuine and abiding love of the craft.

One of my abiding memories of him is of his singing to a small private party.

The folk-song world was another of his abiding interests.

Synonyms: enduring, lasting, continuing, remaining More Synonyms of abiding

Video: pronunciation of
abiding

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Word Frequency

abiding in British English

(əˈbaɪdɪŋ )

adjective

permanent; enduring

an abiding belief

Derived forms

abidingly (aˈbidingly)

adverb

Word Frequency

abiding in American English

(əˈbaɪdɪŋ )

adjective

continuing without change; enduring; lasting

Word Frequency

abiding

(əbaɪdɪŋ )

adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An abiding feeling, memory, or interest is one that you have for a very long time.

He has a genuine and abiding love of the craft.

One of my abiding memories of him is of his singing to a small private party.

The folk-song world was another of his abiding interests.

Synonyms: enduring, lasting, continuing, remaining More Synonyms of abiding

Video: pronunciation of
abiding

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Word Frequency

abiding in British English

(əˈbaɪdɪŋ )

adjective

permanent; enduring

an abiding belief

Derived forms

abidingly (aˈbidingly)

adverb

Word Frequency

abiding in American English

(əˈbaɪdɪŋ )

adjective

continuing without change; enduring; lasting

Word Frequency

law-abiding

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

A law-abiding person always obeys the law and is considered to be good and honest because of this.

The Prime Minister said: 'I am anxious that the law should protect decent law-abiding citizens and their property.'

Synonyms: obedient, good, peaceful, honourable More Synonyms of law-abiding

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'Major ports of the world'

Word Frequency

law-abiding in British English

adjective

adhering more or less strictly to the laws

a law-abiding citizen

Derived forms

law-abidingness (ˈlaw-aˌbidingness)

noun

Word Frequency

law-abiding in American English

(ˈlɔəˌbaɪdɪŋ )

adjective

obeying the law

Word Frequency

Abidjan in British English

(ˌæbɪˈdʒɑːn , French abidʒɑ̃)

noun

a port in Cô te d'Ivoire, on the Gulf of Guinea: the commercial capital ( Yamoussoukro became the administrative capital in 1983). Pop: 4 859 798 (2015 est)

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Word Frequency

Abidjan in American English

(ˌæbəˈdʒɑn )

seaport in the Ivory Coast, on the Gulf of Guinea: former capital (until 1983): pop. 2,500,000

Word Frequency

Abigail in British English

(ˈæbɪˌɡeɪl )

noun

Old Testament

the woman who brought provisions to David and his followers and subsequently became his wife (I Samuel 25:1–42)

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Word Frequency

Abigail in American English

(ˈæbəˌgeɪl )

noun

1.

a feminine name: dim. Abby, Gail

2. [a-]

a lady's maid

Word origin

(sense 1) Heb avigayil, lit., father is rejoicing; (sense 2) < Abigail, name of a maid in The Scornful Lady by Beaumont and Fletcher (c. 1613)

Word Frequency

Abigail in British English

(ˈæbɪˌɡeɪl )

noun

Old Testament

the woman who brought provisions to David and his followers and subsequently became his wife (I Samuel 25:1–42)

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Word Frequency

Abigail in American English

(ˈæbəˌgeɪl )

noun

1.

a feminine name: dim. Abby, Gail

2. [a-]

a lady's maid

Word origin

(sense 1) Heb avigayil, lit., father is rejoicing; (sense 2) < Abigail, name of a maid in The Scornful Lady by Beaumont and Fletcher (c. 1613)

Word Frequency

Abilene in British English

(ˈæbɪˌliːn )

noun

a city in central Texas. Pop: 114 889 (2003 est)

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Word Frequency

Abilene in American English

(ˈæbəˌlin )

city in central Tex.: pop. 116,000

Word origin

ult. < Luke 3:1 < ?

Word Frequency

Abilene in British English

(ˈæbɪˌliːn )

noun

a city in central Texas. Pop: 114 889 (2003 est)

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Word Frequency

Abilene in American English

(ˈæbəˌlin )

city in central Tex.: pop. 116,000

Word origin

ult. < Luke 3:1 < ?

Word Frequency

ability

(əbɪlɪti )

Word forms: plural abilities

1. singular noun [NOUN to-infinitive, oft with poss]

Your ability to do something is the fact that you can do it.

The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job.

He has the ability to bring out the best in others.

Synonyms: capability, power, potential, facility More Synonyms of ability

2. variable noun [oft with poss]

Your ability is the quality or skill that you have which makes it possible for you to do something.

Her drama teacher spotted her ability.

I have confidence in the ability of the players.

They repeatedly questioned his leadership abilities.

Does the school cater for all abilities?

Synonyms: skill, talent, know-how [informal], gift More Synonyms of ability

3.

See to the best of your ability

usage note: Do not confuse ability with capability and capacity. You often use ability to say that someone can do something well. He had remarkable ability as a musician. ...the ability to bear hardship. A person's capability is the amount of work they can do and how well they can do it. ...a job that was beyond the capability of one man. ...the director's ideas of the capability of the actor. If someone has a particular capacity, a capacity for something, or a capacity to do something, they have the qualities required to do it. Capacity is a more formal word than ability. ...their capacity for hard work. ...his capacity to see the other person's point of view.

Word Frequency

-ability

(-əbɪlɪti )

Word forms: plural -abilities

suffix

-ability replaces '-able' at the end of adjectives to form nouns. Nouns formed in this way refer to the state or quality described by the adjectives.

...the desirability of global co-operation.

No one ever questioned her capability.

Video: pronunciation of
ability

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Word Frequency

ability in British English

(əˈbɪlɪtɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ties

1.

possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power

the ability to cope with a problem

2.

considerable proficiency; natural capability

a person of ability

3. (plural)

special talents

Word origin

C14: from Old French from Latin habilitās aptitude, handiness, from habilis able

Word Frequency

ability in American English

(əˈbɪləti )

nounWord forms: plural aˈbilities

1.

a being able; power to do (something physical or mental)

2.

skill, expertness, or talent

Word origin

ME abilite < MFr habilité < L habilitas < habilis: see able

Word Frequency

-ability in American English

(əˈbɪləti )

a (specified) ability, capacity, or tendency

Word origin

L -abilitas: see -able & -ity

Word Frequency

abiogenesis in British English

(ˌeɪbaɪəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs )

noun

1. Also called: autogenesis

the hypothetical process by which living organisms first arose on earth from nonliving matter

2. another name for spontaneous generation, Compare biogenesis

Derived forms

abiogenetic (ˌabiogeˈnetic)

adjective

abiogenetically (ˌabiogeˈnetically)

adverb

abiogenist (ˌeɪbaɪˈɒdʒɪnɪst )

noun

Word origin

C19: New Latin, from a-1 + bio- + genesis

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Word Frequency

abiogenesis in American English

(ˌeɪˌbaɪoʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs ; ˌ æbioʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs )

noun

spontaneous generation

Derived forms

abiogenetic (ˌaˌbiogeˈnetic)

adjective

abiogenetically (ˌaˌbiogeˈnetically)

adverb

Word origin

ModL < Gr abios, lifeless (< a-, not + bios, life: see bio-) + -genesis

Word Frequency

abiogenesis in British English

(ˌeɪbaɪəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs )

noun

1. Also called: autogenesis

the hypothetical process by which living organisms first arose on earth from nonliving matter

2. another name for spontaneous generation, Compare biogenesis

Derived forms

abiogenetic (ˌabiogeˈnetic)

adjective

abiogenetically (ˌabiogeˈnetically)

adverb

abiogenist (ˌeɪbaɪˈɒdʒɪnɪst )

noun

Word origin

C19: New Latin, from a-1 + bio- + genesis

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Word Frequency

abiogenesis in American English

(ˌeɪˌbaɪoʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs ; ˌ æbioʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs )

noun

spontaneous generation

Derived forms

abiogenetic (ˌaˌbiogeˈnetic)

adjective

abiogenetically (ˌaˌbiogeˈnetically)

adverb

Word origin

ModL < Gr abios, lifeless (< a-, not + bios, life: see bio-) + -genesis

Word Frequency

abiological in British English

(ˌeɪbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl)

adjective

not involving living organisms

minerals that are clearly of abiological origin

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Word Frequency

abiological in American English

(ˌeibaiəˈlɑdʒɪkəl)

adjective

not occurring or produced naturally; synthetic

Word origin

[1875–80; a-6 + biological]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: fan-tan, hat trick, massage, overdraft, weekend

abiosis in British English

(ˌeɪbaɪˈəʊsɪs )

noun

absence of life

Derived forms

abiotic (ˌeɪbaɪˈɒtɪk )

adjective

abiotically (ˌeɪbaɪˈɒtɪkəlɪ)

adverb

Word origin

C20: from a-1 + Greek biōsis a way of living

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abiosis in American English

(ˌeibaiˈousɪs, ˌæbi-)

noun

the absence or lack of life; a nonviable state

Word origin

[a-6 + -biosis]-biosis is a combining form meaning “mode of life,” used in the formation of compound words. Other words that use the affix -biosis include: aerobiosis, parabiosis

Word Frequency

abiotic in American English

(ˌeɪbaɪˈɑtɪk )

adjective

of nonliving substances or environmental factors

Word origin

(sense a-2 (sense 3)) + biotic

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Word Frequency

abiotic in American English

(ˌeibaiˈɑtɪk, ˌæbi-)

adjective

of or characterized by the absence of life or living organisms

Also: abiotical

Derived forms

abiotically

adverb

Word origin

[a-6 + biotic]

Word Frequency

abiotic in American English

(ˌeɪbaɪˈɑtɪk )

adjective

of nonliving substances or environmental factors

Word origin

(sense a-2 (sense 3)) + biotic

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Word Frequency

abiotic in American English

(ˌeibaiˈɑtɪk, ˌæbi-)

adjective

of or characterized by the absence of life or living organisms

Also: abiotical

Derived forms

abiotically

adverb

Word origin

[a-6 + biotic]

Word Frequency

abiotrophy in British English

(ˌeɪbaɪəʊˈtrəʊfɪ )

noun

the progressive degeneration of tissues, cells, etc

Derived forms

abiotrophic (ˌabioˈtrophic)

adjective

Word origin

C20: from Greek a-1 + bio- + trophy

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Word Frequency

abiotrophy in American English

(ˌeibaiˈɑtrəfi, ˌæbi-)

noun

Pathology

the loss of vitality in or the degeneration of certain cells or tissues, as in the aging process

Derived forms

abiotrophic (ˌeibaiəˈtrɑfɪk, -ˈtroufɪk, ˌæbi-)

adjective

Word origin

[a-6 + bio- + -trophy]bio- is a combining form meaning “life” occurring in loanwords from Greek (biography). On this model, bio- is used in the formation of compound words (bioluminescence). Other words that use the affix bio- include: bioherm, biomass, biomechanics, bionic, biosynthesis

Word Frequency

abiotrophy in British English

(ˌeɪbaɪəʊˈtrəʊfɪ )

noun

the progressive degeneration of tissues, cells, etc

Derived forms

abiotrophic (ˌabioˈtrophic)

adjective

Word origin

C20: from Greek a-1 + bio- + trophy

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Word Frequency

abiotrophy in American English

(ˌeibaiˈɑtrəfi, ˌæbi-)

noun

Pathology

the loss of vitality in or the degeneration of certain cells or tissues, as in the aging process

Derived forms

abiotrophic (ˌeibaiəˈtrɑfɪk, -ˈtroufɪk, ˌæbi-)

adjective

Word origin

[a-6 + bio- + -trophy]bio- is a combining form meaning “life” occurring in loanwords from Greek (biography). On this model, bio- is used in the formation of compound words (bioluminescence). Other words that use the affix bio- include: bioherm, biomass, biomechanics, bionic, biosynthesis

abirritant in British English

(æbˈɪrɪtənt )

adjective

1.

relieving irritation

noun

2.

any drug or agent that relieves irritation

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abirritant in American English

(æbˈɪrɪtənt)

Medicine

noun

1.

a soothing medication

adjective

2.

relieving or lessening irritation; soothing

Word origin

[1875–80; ab- + irritant]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: Diaspora, fan-tan, knockabout, massage, neoclassicab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

abirritate in British English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteɪt )

verb

(transitive) medicine obsolete

to soothe or make less irritable

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abirritate in American English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteit)

transitive verbWord forms: -tated, -tating

Medicine

to make less irritable; soothe

Derived forms

abirritation

noun

abirritative

adjective

Word origin

[ab- + irritate]ab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

abirritate in British English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteɪt )

verb

(transitive) medicine obsolete

to soothe or make less irritable

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abirritate in American English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteit)

transitive verbWord forms: -tated, -tating

Medicine

to make less irritable; soothe

Derived forms

abirritation

noun

abirritative

adjective

Word origin

[ab- + irritate]ab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

abirritate in British English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteɪt )

verb

(transitive) medicine obsolete

to soothe or make less irritable

You may also like

abirritate in American English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteit)

transitive verbWord forms: -tated, -tating

Medicine

to make less irritable; soothe

Derived forms

abirritation

noun

abirritative

adjective

Word origin

[ab- + irritate]ab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

abirritate in British English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteɪt )

verb

(transitive) medicine obsolete

to soothe or make less irritable

You may also like

abirritate in American English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteit)

transitive verbWord forms: -tated, -tating

Medicine

to make less irritable; soothe

Derived forms

abirritation

noun

abirritative

adjective

Word origin

[ab- + irritate]ab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

abirritate in British English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteɪt )

verb

(transitive) medicine obsolete

to soothe or make less irritable

You may also like

abirritate in American English

(æbˈɪrɪˌteit)

transitive verbWord forms: -tated, -tating

Medicine

to make less irritable; soothe

Derived forms

abirritation

noun

abirritative

adjective

Word origin

[ab- + irritate]ab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abject

(æbdʒekt )

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You use abject to emphasize that a situation or quality is extremely bad.

[emphasis]

Both of them died in abject poverty.

This scheme was an abject failure.

Synonyms: wretched, miserable, hopeless, dismal More Synonyms of abject

abjectly adverb

Both have failed abjectly.

2. graded adjective

If you describe someone as abject, you think they have no courage or respect for themselves.

[literary]

He sounded abject and eager to please.

He looked back at the abject, silent girl and repeated his question.

Synonyms: servile, humble, humiliating, craven More Synonyms of abject

More Synonyms of abject

Video: pronunciation of
abject

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Word Frequency

abject in British English

(ˈæbdʒɛkt )

adjective

1.

utterly wretched or hopeless

2.

miserable; forlorn; dejected

3.

indicating humiliation; submissive

an abject apology

4.

contemptible; despicable; servile

an abject liar

Derived forms

abjection (abˈjection)

noun

abjectly (ˈabjectly)

adverb

abjectness (ˈabjectness)

noun

Word origin

C14: (in the sense: rejected, cast out): from Latin abjectus thrown or cast away, from abjicere, from ab- away + jacere to throw

Word Frequency

abject in American English

(ˈæbˌdʒɛkt ; æbˈdʒɛkt )

adjective

1.

of the lowest degree; miserable; wretched

abject poverty

2.

lacking self-respect; degraded

an abject coward

SIMILAR WORDS: base

Derived forms

abjectly (ˈabˌjectly)

adverb

abjectness (ˈabˌjectness)

noun

Word origin

ME < L abjectus, pp. of abjicere, to throw away < ab-, from + jacere, to throw: see jet1

Word Frequency

abject

(æbdʒekt )

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You use abject to emphasize that a situation or quality is extremely bad.

[emphasis]

Both of them died in abject poverty.

This scheme was an abject failure.

Synonyms: wretched, miserable, hopeless, dismal More Synonyms of abject

abjectly adverb

Both have failed abjectly.

2. graded adjective

If you describe someone as abject, you think they have no courage or respect for themselves.

[literary]

He sounded abject and eager to please.

He looked back at the abject, silent girl and repeated his question.

Synonyms: servile, humble, humiliating, craven More Synonyms of abject

More Synonyms of abject

Video: pronunciation of
abject

You may also like

Word Frequency

abject in British English

(ˈæbdʒɛkt )

adjective

1.

utterly wretched or hopeless

2.

miserable; forlorn; dejected

3.

indicating humiliation; submissive

an abject apology

4.

contemptible; despicable; servile

an abject liar

Derived forms

abjection (abˈjection)

noun

abjectly (ˈabjectly)

adverb

abjectness (ˈabjectness)

noun

Word origin

C14: (in the sense: rejected, cast out): from Latin abjectus thrown or cast away, from abjicere, from ab- away + jacere to throw

Word Frequency

abject in American English

(ˈæbˌdʒɛkt ; æbˈdʒɛkt )

adjective

1.

of the lowest degree; miserable; wretched

abject poverty

2.

lacking self-respect; degraded

an abject coward

SIMILAR WORDS: base

Derived forms

abjectly (ˈabˌjectly)

adverb

abjectness (ˈabˌjectness)

noun

Word origin

ME < L abjectus, pp. of abjicere, to throw away < ab-, from + jacere, to throw: see jet1

Word Frequency

abject

(æbdʒekt )

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You use abject to emphasize that a situation or quality is extremely bad.

[emphasis]

Both of them died in abject poverty.

This scheme was an abject failure.

Synonyms: wretched, miserable, hopeless, dismal More Synonyms of abject

abjectly adverb

Both have failed abjectly.

2. graded adjective

If you describe someone as abject, you think they have no courage or respect for themselves.

[literary]

He sounded abject and eager to please.

He looked back at the abject, silent girl and repeated his question.

Synonyms: servile, humble, humiliating, craven More Synonyms of abject

More Synonyms of abject

Video: pronunciation of
abject

You may also like

Word Frequency

abject in British English

(ˈæbdʒɛkt )

adjective

1.

utterly wretched or hopeless

2.

miserable; forlorn; dejected

3.

indicating humiliation; submissive

an abject apology

4.

contemptible; despicable; servile

an abject liar

Derived forms

abjection (abˈjection)

noun

abjectly (ˈabjectly)

adverb

abjectness (ˈabjectness)

noun

Word origin

C14: (in the sense: rejected, cast out): from Latin abjectus thrown or cast away, from abjicere, from ab- away + jacere to throw

Word Frequency

abject in American English

(ˈæbˌdʒɛkt ; æbˈdʒɛkt )

adjective

1.

of the lowest degree; miserable; wretched

abject poverty

2.

lacking self-respect; degraded

an abject coward

SIMILAR WORDS: base

Derived forms

abjectly (ˈabˌjectly)

adverb

abjectness (ˈabˌjectness)

noun

Word origin

ME < L abjectus, pp. of abjicere, to throw away < ab-, from + jacere, to throw: see jet1

abjunction in British English

(æbˈdʒʌŋkʃən)

noun

biology

the act of cutting off part of a mycelium or spore by forming a septum

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abjunction in American English

(æbˈdʒʌŋkʃən)

noun

Biology

abstriction

Word origin

[ab- + junction]ab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abjure

(æbdʒʊəʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abjures , present participle abjuring , past tense, past participle abjured

verb

If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.

[formal]

He abjured the Protestant faith and became King in 1594. [VERB noun]

...a formal statement abjuring military action. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: give up, deny, kick [informal], reject More Synonyms of abjure

You may also like

Word Frequency

abjure in British English

(əbˈdʒʊə )

verb (transitive)

1.

to renounce or retract, esp formally, solemnly, or under oath

2.

to abstain from or reject

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration)

noun

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjurāre to deny on oath

Word Frequency

abjure in American English

(æbˈdʒʊr ; əbˈdʒʊr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈjured or abˈjuring

1.

to give up ( rights, allegiance, etc.) under oath; renounce

2.

to give up ( opinions) publicly; recant

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration) (ˌæbdʒəˈreɪʃən )

noun

abjuratory (abˈjuraˌtory) (æbˈdʒʊrəˌtɔri )

adjective

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

ME abjuren < L abjurare < ab-, from, away + jurare, to swear: see jury1

Word Frequency

abjure

(æbdʒʊəʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abjures , present participle abjuring , past tense, past participle abjured

verb

If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.

[formal]

He abjured the Protestant faith and became King in 1594. [VERB noun]

...a formal statement abjuring military action. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: give up, deny, kick [informal], reject More Synonyms of abjure

You may also like

Word Frequency

abjure in British English

(əbˈdʒʊə )

verb (transitive)

1.

to renounce or retract, esp formally, solemnly, or under oath

2.

to abstain from or reject

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration)

noun

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjurāre to deny on oath

Word Frequency

abjure in American English

(æbˈdʒʊr ; əbˈdʒʊr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈjured or abˈjuring

1.

to give up ( rights, allegiance, etc.) under oath; renounce

2.

to give up ( opinions) publicly; recant

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration) (ˌæbdʒəˈreɪʃən )

noun

abjuratory (abˈjuraˌtory) (æbˈdʒʊrəˌtɔri )

adjective

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

ME abjuren < L abjurare < ab-, from, away + jurare, to swear: see jury1

Word Frequency

abjure

(æbdʒʊəʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abjures , present participle abjuring , past tense, past participle abjured

verb

If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.

[formal]

He abjured the Protestant faith and became King in 1594. [VERB noun]

...a formal statement abjuring military action. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: give up, deny, kick [informal], reject More Synonyms of abjure

You may also like

Word Frequency

abjure in British English

(əbˈdʒʊə )

verb (transitive)

1.

to renounce or retract, esp formally, solemnly, or under oath

2.

to abstain from or reject

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration)

noun

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjurāre to deny on oath

Word Frequency

abjure in American English

(æbˈdʒʊr ; əbˈdʒʊr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈjured or abˈjuring

1.

to give up ( rights, allegiance, etc.) under oath; renounce

2.

to give up ( opinions) publicly; recant

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration) (ˌæbdʒəˈreɪʃən )

noun

abjuratory (abˈjuraˌtory) (æbˈdʒʊrəˌtɔri )

adjective

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

ME abjuren < L abjurare < ab-, from, away + jurare, to swear: see jury1

Word Frequency

abjure

(æbdʒʊəʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abjures , present participle abjuring , past tense, past participle abjured

verb

If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.

[formal]

He abjured the Protestant faith and became King in 1594. [VERB noun]

...a formal statement abjuring military action. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: give up, deny, kick [informal], reject More Synonyms of abjure

You may also like

Word Frequency

abjure in British English

(əbˈdʒʊə )

verb (transitive)

1.

to renounce or retract, esp formally, solemnly, or under oath

2.

to abstain from or reject

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration)

noun

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjurāre to deny on oath

Word Frequency

abjure in American English

(æbˈdʒʊr ; əbˈdʒʊr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈjured or abˈjuring

1.

to give up ( rights, allegiance, etc.) under oath; renounce

2.

to give up ( opinions) publicly; recant

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration) (ˌæbdʒəˈreɪʃən )

noun

abjuratory (abˈjuraˌtory) (æbˈdʒʊrəˌtɔri )

adjective

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

ME abjuren < L abjurare < ab-, from, away + jurare, to swear: see jury1

Word Frequency

abjure

(æbdʒʊəʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abjures , present participle abjuring , past tense, past participle abjured

verb

If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.

[formal]

He abjured the Protestant faith and became King in 1594. [VERB noun]

...a formal statement abjuring military action. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: give up, deny, kick [informal], reject More Synonyms of abjure

You may also like

Word Frequency

abjure in British English

(əbˈdʒʊə )

verb (transitive)

1.

to renounce or retract, esp formally, solemnly, or under oath

2.

to abstain from or reject

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration)

noun

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjurāre to deny on oath

Word Frequency

abjure in American English

(æbˈdʒʊr ; əbˈdʒʊr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈjured or abˈjuring

1.

to give up ( rights, allegiance, etc.) under oath; renounce

2.

to give up ( opinions) publicly; recant

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration) (ˌæbdʒəˈreɪʃən )

noun

abjuratory (abˈjuraˌtory) (æbˈdʒʊrəˌtɔri )

adjective

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

ME abjuren < L abjurare < ab-, from, away + jurare, to swear: see jury1

Word Frequency

abjure

(æbdʒʊəʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abjures , present participle abjuring , past tense, past participle abjured

verb

If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.

[formal]

He abjured the Protestant faith and became King in 1594. [VERB noun]

...a formal statement abjuring military action. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: give up, deny, kick [informal], reject More Synonyms of abjure

You may also like

Word Frequency

abjure in British English

(əbˈdʒʊə )

verb (transitive)

1.

to renounce or retract, esp formally, solemnly, or under oath

2.

to abstain from or reject

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration)

noun

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjurāre to deny on oath

Word Frequency

abjure in American English

(æbˈdʒʊr ; əbˈdʒʊr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈjured or abˈjuring

1.

to give up ( rights, allegiance, etc.) under oath; renounce

2.

to give up ( opinions) publicly; recant

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration) (ˌæbdʒəˈreɪʃən )

noun

abjuratory (abˈjuraˌtory) (æbˈdʒʊrəˌtɔri )

adjective

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

ME abjuren < L abjurare < ab-, from, away + jurare, to swear: see jury1

Word Frequency

abjure

(æbdʒʊəʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abjures , present participle abjuring , past tense, past participle abjured

verb

If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.

[formal]

He abjured the Protestant faith and became King in 1594. [VERB noun]

...a formal statement abjuring military action. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: give up, deny, kick [informal], reject More Synonyms of abjure

You may also like

Word Frequency

abjure in British English

(əbˈdʒʊə )

verb (transitive)

1.

to renounce or retract, esp formally, solemnly, or under oath

2.

to abstain from or reject

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration)

noun

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjurāre to deny on oath

Word Frequency

abjure in American English

(æbˈdʒʊr ; əbˈdʒʊr )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈjured or abˈjuring

1.

to give up ( rights, allegiance, etc.) under oath; renounce

2.

to give up ( opinions) publicly; recant

Derived forms

abjuration (ˌabjuˈration) (ˌæbdʒəˈreɪʃən )

noun

abjuratory (abˈjuraˌtory) (æbˈdʒʊrəˌtɔri )

adjective

abjurer (abˈjurer)

noun

Word origin

ME abjuren < L abjurare < ab-, from, away + jurare, to swear: see jury1

Word Frequency

Abkhazian in British English

(æbˈkɑːzɪən)

adjective

1. another name for Abkhaz

noun

2. another name for Abkhaz (sense 1)

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Word Frequency

Abkhazian in American English

(æbˈkeiziən, -ʒən)

noun

a Caucasian language of Abkhazia, best known for its rich consonantism

Also: Abkhasian

Word origin

[1865–70; abkhazi(a) + -an]This word is first recorded in the period 1865–70. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: batting average, dunk, goulash, springboard, steamroller-an is a suffix occurring originally in adjectives borrowed from Latin, formed from nouns denoting places (Roman; urban) or persons (Augustan), and now productively forming English adjectives by extension of the Latin pattern. Attached to geographical names, it denotes provenance or membership (American; Chicagoan), the latter sense now extended to membership in social classes, religious denominations, etc., in adjectives formed from various kinds of noun bases (Episcopalian; pedestrian; Puritan; Republican) and membership in zoological taxa (acanthocephalan; crustacean). Attached to personal names, it has the additional senses “contemporary with” (Elizabethan; Jacobean) or “proponent of” (Hegelian; Freudian) the person specified by the noun base. It also occurs in a set of personal nouns, mainly loanwords from French, denoting one who engages in, practices, or works with the referent of the base noun (comedian; grammarian; historian; theologian)

Word Frequency

Abkhazia in British English

(æbˈkɑːzɪə ) or Abkhaz Autonomous Republic (æbˈkɑːz ɔːˈtɒnəməs rɪˈpʌblɪk)

noun

a disputed region of NW Georgia, between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains: a subtropical region, with mountains rising over 3900 m (13 000 ft); Abkhazian separatists seized control of the region in 1993; Russia formally recognized it as an independent republic following the Russian-Georgian war of 2008, although Georgia still claims the region as part of its territory. Capital: Sokhumi. Pop: 220 600 (2006 est). Area: 8600 sq km (3320 sq miles)

Also called: Abkhaz Autonomous Republic

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Word Frequency

Abkhazia in American English

(ɑbˈkɑziə )

autonomous region in NW Georgia, on the Black Sea: cap. Sukhumi

Word Frequency

Abkhazian in British English

(æbˈkɑːzɪən)

adjective

1. another name for Abkhaz

noun

2. another name for Abkhaz (sense 1)

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Word Frequency

Abkhazian in American English

(æbˈkeiziən, -ʒən)

noun

a Caucasian language of Abkhazia, best known for its rich consonantism

Also: Abkhasian

Word origin

[1865–70; abkhazi(a) + -an]This word is first recorded in the period 1865–70. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: batting average, dunk, goulash, springboard, steamroller-an is a suffix occurring originally in adjectives borrowed from Latin, formed from nouns denoting places (Roman; urban) or persons (Augustan), and now productively forming English adjectives by extension of the Latin pattern. Attached to geographical names, it denotes provenance or membership (American; Chicagoan), the latter sense now extended to membership in social classes, religious denominations, etc., in adjectives formed from various kinds of noun bases (Episcopalian; pedestrian; Puritan; Republican) and membership in zoological taxa (acanthocephalan; crustacean). Attached to personal names, it has the additional senses “contemporary with” (Elizabethan; Jacobean) or “proponent of” (Hegelian; Freudian) the person specified by the noun base. It also occurs in a set of personal nouns, mainly loanwords from French, denoting one who engages in, practices, or works with the referent of the base noun (comedian; grammarian; historian; theologian)

abl. in British English

abbreviation for

ablative

ablative in British English

(ˈæblətɪv )

adjective

1. grammar

(in certain inflected languages such as Latin) denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb

2.

taking away or removing

ablative surgery

3.

able to disintegrate or be worn away at a very high temperature

a thick layer of ablative material

noun

4. grammar

a.

the ablative case

b.

a word or speech element in the ablative case

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abl in American English

ablative

abl. in British English

abbreviation for

ablative

ablative in British English

(ˈæblətɪv )

adjective

1. grammar

(in certain inflected languages such as Latin) denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb

2.

taking away or removing

ablative surgery

3.

able to disintegrate or be worn away at a very high temperature

a thick layer of ablative material

noun

4. grammar

a.

the ablative case

b.

a word or speech element in the ablative case

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abl in American English

ablative

Word Frequency

ablactation in British English

(ˌæblækˈteɪʃən )

noun

1.

the weaning of an infant

2.

the cessation of milk secretion in the breasts

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Word Frequency

ablactation in American English

(ˌæblækˈteɪʃən )

noun

the act or process of weaning

Word origin

LL ablactatio < L ablactare, to wean < ab-, from + lac, milk: see lacto-

Word Frequency

ablate in British English

(æbˈleɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to remove by ablation

Word origin

C20: back formation from ablation

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Word Frequency

ablate in American English

(æbˈleɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈlated or abˈlating

1.

to remove, as by surgery

2. Astronomy

to wear away, melt, or vaporize (surface material) by entering into or passing through the atmosphere at supersonic speed

see also heat shield

3. Geology

to wear away, as by erosion

verb intransitive

4.

to undergo ablation

Derived forms

ablation (abˈlation)

noun

Word origin

back-form. < ablation < LL(Ec) ablatio, a taking away < L ablatus: see ablative

Word Frequency

ablate in British English

(æbˈleɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to remove by ablation

Word origin

C20: back formation from ablation

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Word Frequency

ablate in American English

(æbˈleɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈlated or abˈlating

1.

to remove, as by surgery

2. Astronomy

to wear away, melt, or vaporize (surface material) by entering into or passing through the atmosphere at supersonic speed

see also heat shield

3. Geology

to wear away, as by erosion

verb intransitive

4.

to undergo ablation

Derived forms

ablation (abˈlation)

noun

Word origin

back-form. < ablation < LL(Ec) ablatio, a taking away < L ablatus: see ablative

Word Frequency

ablate in British English

(æbˈleɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to remove by ablation

Word origin

C20: back formation from ablation

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Word Frequency

ablate in American English

(æbˈleɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈlated or abˈlating

1.

to remove, as by surgery

2. Astronomy

to wear away, melt, or vaporize (surface material) by entering into or passing through the atmosphere at supersonic speed

see also heat shield

3. Geology

to wear away, as by erosion

verb intransitive

4.

to undergo ablation

Derived forms

ablation (abˈlation)

noun

Word origin

back-form. < ablation < LL(Ec) ablatio, a taking away < L ablatus: see ablative

Word Frequency

ablate in British English

(æbˈleɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to remove by ablation

Word origin

C20: back formation from ablation

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Word Frequency

ablate in American English

(æbˈleɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈlated or abˈlating

1.

to remove, as by surgery

2. Astronomy

to wear away, melt, or vaporize (surface material) by entering into or passing through the atmosphere at supersonic speed

see also heat shield

3. Geology

to wear away, as by erosion

verb intransitive

4.

to undergo ablation

Derived forms

ablation (abˈlation)

noun

Word origin

back-form. < ablation < LL(Ec) ablatio, a taking away < L ablatus: see ablative

Word Frequency

ablative in British English

(ˈæblətɪv )

adjective

1. grammar

(in certain inflected languages such as Latin) denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb

2.

taking away or removing

ablative surgery

3.

able to disintegrate or be worn away at a very high temperature

a thick layer of ablative material

noun

4. grammar

a.

the ablative case

b.

a word or speech element in the ablative case

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Word Frequency

ablative in American English

(ˈæblətɪv ; for 2, æbˈleɪtɪv )

adjective

1. Grammar

designating, of, or in a case expressing removal, deprivation, direction away from, source, cause, or agency

2. Astronomy

that ablates, as the protective coating material on the nose cone of a space missile

noun Grammar

3.

the ablative case: this case is expressed by inflection in languages such as Latin, Sanskrit, and Hungarian

4.

a word or phrase in this case

Word origin

ME < L ablativus < ablatus, pp. of auferre < ab-, away + ferre, to bear1

abl. in British English

abbreviation for

ablative

ablative in British English

(ˈæblətɪv )

adjective

1. grammar

(in certain inflected languages such as Latin) denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb

2.

taking away or removing

ablative surgery

3.

able to disintegrate or be worn away at a very high temperature

a thick layer of ablative material

noun

4. grammar

a.

the ablative case

b.

a word or speech element in the ablative case

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abl in American English

ablative

Word Frequency

ablaut in British English

(ˈæblaʊt , German ˈaplaut)

noun

linguistics

vowel gradation, esp in Indo-European languages

gradation (sense 5)

Word origin

German, coined 1819 by Jakob Grimm from ab off + Laut sound

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Word Frequency

ablaut in American English

(ˈæbˌlaʊt ; ˈɑbaʊt ; German ˈɑpˌlaʊt )

noun

patterned change of base vowels in forms of a word or in related words to show changes in tense, meaning, etc., as in the Indo-European languages ( Ex.: drink, drank, drunk)

Word origin

Ger < ab-, off, from + laut, sound: see loud

Word Frequency

ablaze

(əbleɪz )

1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

Something that is ablaze is burning very fiercely.

Shops, houses, and vehicles were set ablaze.

Synonyms: on fire, lighted, burning, flaming More Synonyms of ablaze

2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If a place is ablaze with lights or colours, it is very bright because of them.

The chamber was ablaze with light. [+ with]

In spring, the valleys are ablaze with colour.

Synonyms: bright, brilliant, flashing, glowing More Synonyms of ablaze

3. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, oft ADJ with n]

If someone is ablaze, or if their eyes are ablaze, their expression shows that they are feeling a strong emotion, such as great excitement or anger.

He was ablaze with enthusiasm.

Her voice is passionate. Her eyes are ablaze.

Synonyms: passionate, excited, stimulated, fierce More Synonyms of ablaze

More Synonyms of ablaze

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Word Frequency

ablaze in British English

(əˈbleɪz )

adjective, adverb (postpositive)

1.

on fire; burning

2.

brightly illuminated

3.

emotionally aroused

Word Frequency

ablaze in American English

(əˈbleɪz )

adjective

1.

on fire; burning brightly

2.

blazing; flaming

3.

greatly excited; eager

Word origin

a-1 + blaze1

Word Frequency

able

(eɪbəl )

Word forms: comparative abler (eɪbləʳ ), superlative ablest (eɪblɪst )

1.

See be able to

2.

See be able to

3. adjective

Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something.

...one of the brightest and ablest members of the government.

They are bright, intelligent, able and confident.

can1

Synonyms: capable, experienced, fit, fitted More Synonyms of able

More Synonyms of able

Word Frequency

-able

(-əbəl )

suffix

-able combines with verbs to form adjectives. Adjectives formed in this way describe someone or something that can have a particular thing done to them. For example, if something is avoidable, it can be avoided.

These injuries were avoidable.

He was an admirable chairman.

Video: pronunciation of
able

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Word Frequency

able in British English

(ˈeɪbəl )

adjective

1. (postpositive)

having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc, to do something

able to swim

2.

capable; competent; talented

an able teacher

3. law

qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act

Word origin

C14: ultimately from Latin habilis easy to hold, manageable, apt, from habēre to have, hold + -ilis -ile

Word Frequency

-able in British English

suffix forming adjectives

1.

capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated)

enjoyable

pitiable

readable

separable

washable

2.

inclined to; given to; able to; causing

comfortable

reasonable

variable

Derived forms

-ably

suffix forming adverbs

-ability

suffix forming nouns

Word origin

via Old French from Latin -ābilis, -ībilis, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix

Word Frequency

able in American English

(ˈeɪbəl )

adjectiveWord forms: ˈabler (ˈeɪblər ) or ˈablest (ˈeɪbləst )

1.

having enough power, skill, etc. to do something

able to read

2.

having much power of mind; skilled; talented

an able teacher

3. Law

legally qualified, authorized, or competent to do a specified act

SYNONYMY NOTE: able implies having power or ability to do something [able to make payments] but sometimes suggests superior power or skill [an able orator]; capable usually implies the mere meeting of ordinary requirements [a capable machinist]; competent, qualified both imply the possession of the requisite qualifications for the specified work, situation, etc., but , qualified stresses compliance with specified requirements [a competent critic of modern art, a qualified voter]

OPPOSITE: inept

Word origin

ME < OFr hable, habile < L habilis, easily handled, apt < habere, to have, hold: see habit

Word Frequency

-able in American English

(əbəl )

1.

that can or will

perishable

2.

capable of being ____ed

manageable

3.

worthy of being ____ed

lovable

4.

having qualities of

comfortable

5.

tending or inclined to

peaceable

-ble, -ible

Word origin

ME < OFr < L -abilis

Word Frequency

able-bodied

(eɪbəl bɒdid )

adjective

An able-bodied person is physically strong and healthy, rather than being weak or having a disability.

She was able-bodied and reasonably intelligent.

More Synonyms of able-bodied

Video: pronunciation of
able-bodied

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Word Frequency

able-bodied in British English

adjective

1.

physically strong and healthy; robust

2.

not having a physical disability

▶ USAGE Preferred form: non-disabled

Word Frequency

able-bodied in American English

(ˈeɪbəlˌbɑdid )

adjective

healthy and strong

Word Frequency

able

(eɪbəl )

Word forms: comparative abler (eɪbləʳ ), superlative ablest (eɪblɪst )

1.

See be able to

2.

See be able to

3. adjective

Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something.

...one of the brightest and ablest members of the government.

They are bright, intelligent, able and confident.

can1

Synonyms: capable, experienced, fit, fitted More Synonyms of able

More Synonyms of able

Word Frequency

-able

(-əbəl )

suffix

-able combines with verbs to form adjectives. Adjectives formed in this way describe someone or something that can have a particular thing done to them. For example, if something is avoidable, it can be avoided.

These injuries were avoidable.

He was an admirable chairman.

Video: pronunciation of
able

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Word Frequency

able in British English

(ˈeɪbəl )

adjective

1. (postpositive)

having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc, to do something

able to swim

2.

capable; competent; talented

an able teacher

3. law

qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act

Word origin

C14: ultimately from Latin habilis easy to hold, manageable, apt, from habēre to have, hold + -ilis -ile

Word Frequency

-able in British English

suffix forming adjectives

1.

capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated)

enjoyable

pitiable

readable

separable

washable

2.

inclined to; given to; able to; causing

comfortable

reasonable

variable

Derived forms

-ably

suffix forming adverbs

-ability

suffix forming nouns

Word origin

via Old French from Latin -ābilis, -ībilis, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix

Word Frequency

able in American English

(ˈeɪbəl )

adjectiveWord forms: ˈabler (ˈeɪblər ) or ˈablest (ˈeɪbləst )

1.

having enough power, skill, etc. to do something

able to read

2.

having much power of mind; skilled; talented

an able teacher

3. Law

legally qualified, authorized, or competent to do a specified act

SYNONYMY NOTE: able implies having power or ability to do something [able to make payments] but sometimes suggests superior power or skill [an able orator]; capable usually implies the mere meeting of ordinary requirements [a capable machinist]; competent, qualified both imply the possession of the requisite qualifications for the specified work, situation, etc., but , qualified stresses compliance with specified requirements [a competent critic of modern art, a qualified voter]

OPPOSITE: inept

Word origin

ME < OFr hable, habile < L habilis, easily handled, apt < habere, to have, hold: see habit

Word Frequency

-able in American English

(əbəl )

1.

that can or will

perishable

2.

capable of being ____ed

manageable

3.

worthy of being ____ed

lovable

4.

having qualities of

comfortable

5.

tending or inclined to

peaceable

-ble, -ible

Word origin

ME < OFr < L -abilis

Word Frequency

able

(eɪbəl )

Word forms: comparative abler (eɪbləʳ ), superlative ablest (eɪblɪst )

1.

See be able to

2.

See be able to

3. adjective

Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something.

...one of the brightest and ablest members of the government.

They are bright, intelligent, able and confident.

can1

Synonyms: capable, experienced, fit, fitted More Synonyms of able

More Synonyms of able

Word Frequency

-able

(-əbəl )

suffix

-able combines with verbs to form adjectives. Adjectives formed in this way describe someone or something that can have a particular thing done to them. For example, if something is avoidable, it can be avoided.

These injuries were avoidable.

He was an admirable chairman.

Video: pronunciation of
able

You may also like

Word Frequency

able in British English

(ˈeɪbəl )

adjective

1. (postpositive)

having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc, to do something

able to swim

2.

capable; competent; talented

an able teacher

3. law

qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act

Word origin

C14: ultimately from Latin habilis easy to hold, manageable, apt, from habēre to have, hold + -ilis -ile

Word Frequency

-able in British English

suffix forming adjectives

1.

capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated)

enjoyable

pitiable

readable

separable

washable

2.

inclined to; given to; able to; causing

comfortable

reasonable

variable

Derived forms

-ably

suffix forming adverbs

-ability

suffix forming nouns

Word origin

via Old French from Latin -ābilis, -ībilis, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix

Word Frequency

able in American English

(ˈeɪbəl )

adjectiveWord forms: ˈabler (ˈeɪblər ) or ˈablest (ˈeɪbləst )

1.

having enough power, skill, etc. to do something

able to read

2.

having much power of mind; skilled; talented

an able teacher

3. Law

legally qualified, authorized, or competent to do a specified act

SYNONYMY NOTE: able implies having power or ability to do something [able to make payments] but sometimes suggests superior power or skill [an able orator]; capable usually implies the mere meeting of ordinary requirements [a capable machinist]; competent, qualified both imply the possession of the requisite qualifications for the specified work, situation, etc., but , qualified stresses compliance with specified requirements [a competent critic of modern art, a qualified voter]

OPPOSITE: inept

Word origin

ME < OFr hable, habile < L habilis, easily handled, apt < habere, to have, hold: see habit

Word Frequency

-able in American English

(əbəl )

1.

that can or will

perishable

2.

capable of being ____ed

manageable

3.

worthy of being ____ed

lovable

4.

having qualities of

comfortable

5.

tending or inclined to

peaceable

-ble, -ible

Word origin

ME < OFr < L -abilis

Word Frequency

abloom in British English

(əˈbluːm )

adjective

(postpositive)

in flower; blooming

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Word Frequency

abloom in American English

(əˈblum )

adjective

in bloom; in flower

Word origin

a-1 + bloom1

Word Frequency

abloom in American English

(əˈbluːm)

adverb or adjective

in bloom; blossoming; flowering

Word origin

[1850–55; a-1 + bloom1]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: cloakroom, headhunting, muggins, overprint, runoffa- is a reduced form of the Old English preposition on, meaning “on,” “in,” “into,” “to,” “toward,” preserved before a noun in a prepositional phrase, forming a predicate adjective or an adverbial element (afoot; abed; ashore; aside; away), or before an adjective (afar; aloud; alow), as a moribund prefix with a verb (acknowledge), and in archaic and dialectal use before a present participle in -ing (set the bells aringing); and added to a verb stem with the force of a present participle (ablaze; agape; aglow; astride; and originally, awry)

abluent in British English

(ˈæblʊənt) medicine, technical

noun

1.

a substance used for cleansing

a scalp abluent

adjective

2.

(of a substance) washing away impurities; cleansing

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abluent in American English

(ˈæbluənt )

adjective

1.

that makes clean

noun

2.

any substance used for cleaning

Word origin

L abluens, prp. of abluere: see ablution

abluent in British English

(ˈæblʊənt) medicine, technical

noun

1.

a substance used for cleansing

a scalp abluent

adjective

2.

(of a substance) washing away impurities; cleansing

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abluent in American English

(ˈæbluənt )

adjective

1.

that makes clean

noun

2.

any substance used for cleaning

Word origin

L abluens, prp. of abluere: see ablution

Word Frequency

ablush in British English

(əˈblʌʃ)

adjective

(postpositive)

(of a person) blushing

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Word Frequency

ablush in American English

(əˈblʌʃ)

adjective

blushing; reddened

Word origin

[1850–55; a-1 + blush]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: headhunting, muggins, proletariat, runoff, seguea- is a reduced form of the Old English preposition on, meaning “on,” “in,” “into,” “to,” “toward,” preserved before a noun in a prepositional phrase, forming a predicate adjective or an adverbial element (afoot; abed; ashore; aside; away), or before an adjective (afar; aloud; alow), as a moribund prefix with a verb (acknowledge), and in archaic and dialectal use before a present participle in -ing (set the bells aringing); and added to a verb stem with the force of a present participle (ablaze; agape; aglow; astride; and originally, awry)

abluted in British English

(əˈbluːtɪd)

adjective

washed thoroughly

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abluted in American English

(əˈbluːtɪd)

adjective

(of the hands, body, etc.)

thoroughly washed

Word origin

[1640–50; ablute (prob. back formation from ablution) + -ed2]This word is first recorded in the period 1640–50. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: datum, differential, elevator, generator, liaison-ed is a suffix forming the past participle of weak verbs (he had crossed the river), and of participial adjectives indicating a condition or quality resulting from the action of the verb (inflated balloons). Other words that use the affix -ed include: connected, limited, registered, sheltered, unsettled

Word Frequency

ablution in British English

(əˈbluːʃən )

noun

1.

the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels

2. (often plural)

the act of washing (esp in the phrase perform one's ablutions)

3. (plural) military informal

a washing place

Derived forms

ablutionary (abˈlutionary)

adjective

Word origin

C14: ultimately from Latin ablūere to wash away

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Word Frequency

ablution in American English

(æbˈluʃən ; əbˈluʃən )

noun

1. [usually pl.]

a washing of the body, esp. as a religious ceremony

2.

the liquid used for such washing

Derived forms

ablutionary (abˈlutionˌary)

adjective

Word origin

ME ablucioun < L ablutio < abluere < ab-, off + luere, var. of lavere, to lave1

Word Frequency

ablution in British English

(əˈbluːʃən )

noun

1.

the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels

2. (often plural)

the act of washing (esp in the phrase perform one's ablutions)

3. (plural) military informal

a washing place

Derived forms

ablutionary (abˈlutionary)

adjective

Word origin

C14: ultimately from Latin ablūere to wash away

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Word Frequency

ablution in American English

(æbˈluʃən ; əbˈluʃən )

noun

1. [usually pl.]

a washing of the body, esp. as a religious ceremony

2.

the liquid used for such washing

Derived forms

ablutionary (abˈlutionˌary)

adjective

Word origin

ME ablucioun < L ablutio < abluere < ab-, off + luere, var. of lavere, to lave1

Word Frequency

ablutions

(əbluːʃənz )

plural noun [oft poss NOUN]

Someone's ablutions are all the activities that are involved in washing himself or herself.

[formal, or humorous]

More Synonyms of ablutions

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Word Frequency

ablutions in British English

(əˈbluːʃənz)

plural noun

formal or humorous

the act of washing

I was able to perform my ablutions in peace.

special sinks in which devout Muslims can perform their ritual ablutions

Word Frequency

ably

(eɪbli )

adverb [ADVERB with verb]

Ably means skilfully and successfully.

He was ably assisted by a number of other members.

Video: pronunciation of
ably

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Word Frequency

ably in British English

(ˈeɪblɪ )

adverb

in a competent or skilful manner

Word Frequency

ably in American English

(ˈeɪbli )

adverb

in an able manner; skillfully

Word Frequency

-ably in American English

(əbli )

in a way indicating a (specified) ability, tendency, etc.

Word Frequency

ABM in British English

abbreviation for

antiballistic missile

antiballistic missile in British English

noun

a missile designed to destroy an incoming ballistic missile before it reaches its target

Abbreviation: ABM

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'North American Languages'

Word Frequency

ABM in American English

antiballistic missile

Word Frequency

Abnaki in British English

(æbˈnɑːkɪ )

noun

1. Word forms: plural -ki or -kis

a member of an indigenous North American people formerly living in Maine and Quebec

2.

the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family

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Word Frequency

Abnaki in American English

(æbˈnæki ; æbˈnɑki )

US

noun

var. of

Abenaki

Word Frequency

Abnaki in British English

(æbˈnɑːkɪ )

noun

1. Word forms: plural -ki or -kis

a member of an indigenous North American people formerly living in Maine and Quebec

2.

the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family

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'North American Languages'

Word Frequency

Abnaki in American English

(æbˈnæki ; æbˈnɑki )

US

noun

var. of

Abenaki

Word Frequency

abnegate in British English

(ˈæbnɪˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to deny to oneself; renounce ( privileges, pleasure, etc)

Derived forms

abnegation (ˌabneˈgation)

noun

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abnegāre to deny

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Word Frequency

abnegate in American English

(ˈæbnəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabneˌgated or ˈabneˌgating

to give up (rights, claims, etc.); renounce

Derived forms

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abnegatus, pp. of abnegare < ab-, away, from + negare, to deny: see negation

Word Frequency

abnegate in British English

(ˈæbnɪˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to deny to oneself; renounce ( privileges, pleasure, etc)

Derived forms

abnegation (ˌabneˈgation)

noun

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abnegāre to deny

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Word Frequency

abnegate in American English

(ˈæbnəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabneˌgated or ˈabneˌgating

to give up (rights, claims, etc.); renounce

Derived forms

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abnegatus, pp. of abnegare < ab-, away, from + negare, to deny: see negation

Word Frequency

abnegate in British English

(ˈæbnɪˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to deny to oneself; renounce ( privileges, pleasure, etc)

Derived forms

abnegation (ˌabneˈgation)

noun

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abnegāre to deny

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Word Frequency

abnegate in American English

(ˈæbnəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabneˌgated or ˈabneˌgating

to give up (rights, claims, etc.); renounce

Derived forms

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abnegatus, pp. of abnegare < ab-, away, from + negare, to deny: see negation

Word Frequency

abnegate in British English

(ˈæbnɪˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to deny to oneself; renounce ( privileges, pleasure, etc)

Derived forms

abnegation (ˌabneˈgation)

noun

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abnegāre to deny

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Word Frequency

abnegate in American English

(ˈæbnəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabneˌgated or ˈabneˌgating

to give up (rights, claims, etc.); renounce

Derived forms

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abnegatus, pp. of abnegare < ab-, away, from + negare, to deny: see negation

Word Frequency

abnegate in British English

(ˈæbnɪˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to deny to oneself; renounce ( privileges, pleasure, etc)

Derived forms

abnegation (ˌabneˈgation)

noun

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abnegāre to deny

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Word Frequency

abnegate in American English

(ˈæbnəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabneˌgated or ˈabneˌgating

to give up (rights, claims, etc.); renounce

Derived forms

abnegator (ˈabneˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abnegatus, pp. of abnegare < ab-, away, from + negare, to deny: see negation

Abner in American English

(ˈæbnər )

noun

a masculine name

Word origin

L < Heb avner, lit., the father is a light

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Abner in American English

(ˈæbnər)

noun

1.

the commander of the Israelite army and a cousin of Saul. I Sam. 14:50; 26:5

2.

a male given name

Abner in American English

(ˈæbnər )

noun

a masculine name

Word origin

L < Heb avner, lit., the father is a light

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Abner in American English

(ˈæbnər)

noun

1.

the commander of the Israelite army and a cousin of Saul. I Sam. 14:50; 26:5

2.

a male given name

Word Frequency

abnormal

(æbnɔːʳməl )

adjective

Someone or something that is abnormal is unusual, especially in a way that is worrying.

[formal]

...abnormal heart rhythms and high anxiety levels.

...a child with an abnormal fear of strangers.

Synonyms: unusual, different, odd, strange More Synonyms of abnormal

abnormally adverb [usually ADVERB adjective/adverb, oft ADVERB with verb]

...abnormally high levels of glucose.

This stops the cells from growing abnormally.

Synonyms: unusually, oddly, strangely, extremely More Synonyms of abnormal

Video: pronunciation of
abnormal

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Word Frequency

abnormal in British English

(æbˈnɔːməl )

adjective

1.

not normal; deviating from the usual or typical; extraordinary

2. informal

odd in behaviour or appearance; strange

Derived forms

abnormally (abˈnormally)

adverb

Word origin

C19: ab-1 + normal, replacing earlier anormal from Medieval Latin anormalus, a blend of Late Latin anōmalus anomalous + Latin abnormis departing from a rule

Word Frequency

abnormal in American English

(æbˈnɔrməl ; əbˈnɔrməl )

adjective

not normal; not average; not typical; not usual; irregular, esp. to a considerable degree

SIMILAR WORDS: irˈregular

Derived forms

abnormally (abˈnormally)

adverb

abnormalism (abˈnormalˌism)

noun

Word origin

earlier anormal < Fr anormal, anomal < LL anomalus < Gr anōmalos (see anomalous) infl. by L abnormis < ab-, from + norma, norm

Word Frequency

abnormality

(æbnɔːʳmælɪti )

Word forms: plural abnormalities

variable noun

An abnormality in something, especially in a person's body or behaviour, is an unusual part or feature of it that may be worrying or dangerous.

[formal]

Further scans are required to confirm the diagnosis of an abnormality.

Genetic abnormalities are more often associated with faults in paternal DNA than in maternal DNA.

Synonyms: strangeness, deviation, eccentricity, aberration More Synonyms of abnormality

More Synonyms of abnormality

Video: pronunciation of
abnormality

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Word Frequency

abnormality in British English

(ˌæbnɔːˈmælɪtɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ties

1.

an abnormal feature, event, etc

2.

deviation from the typical or usual; irregularity

Word Frequency

abnormality in American English

(ˌæbnɔrˈmæləti )

noun

1.

the quality or condition of being abnormal

2. Word forms: plural ˌabnorˈmalities

an abnormal thing; malformation

Word Frequency

abnormal

(æbnɔːʳməl )

adjective

Someone or something that is abnormal is unusual, especially in a way that is worrying.

[formal]

...abnormal heart rhythms and high anxiety levels.

...a child with an abnormal fear of strangers.

Synonyms: unusual, different, odd, strange More Synonyms of abnormal

abnormally adverb [usually ADVERB adjective/adverb, oft ADVERB with verb]

...abnormally high levels of glucose.

This stops the cells from growing abnormally.

Synonyms: unusually, oddly, strangely, extremely More Synonyms of abnormal

Video: pronunciation of
abnormal

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Word Frequency

abnormal in British English

(æbˈnɔːməl )

adjective

1.

not normal; deviating from the usual or typical; extraordinary

2. informal

odd in behaviour or appearance; strange

Derived forms

abnormally (abˈnormally)

adverb

Word origin

C19: ab-1 + normal, replacing earlier anormal from Medieval Latin anormalus, a blend of Late Latin anōmalus anomalous + Latin abnormis departing from a rule

Word Frequency

abnormal in American English

(æbˈnɔrməl ; əbˈnɔrməl )

adjective

not normal; not average; not typical; not usual; irregular, esp. to a considerable degree

SIMILAR WORDS: irˈregular

Derived forms

abnormally (abˈnormally)

adverb

abnormalism (abˈnormalˌism)

noun

Word origin

earlier anormal < Fr anormal, anomal < LL anomalus < Gr anōmalos (see anomalous) infl. by L abnormis < ab-, from + norma, norm

Word Frequency

abnormity in British English

(æbˈnɔːmɪtɪ)

nounWord forms: plural -ities

formal

lack of normality; a deviation from the usual or typical

observations of abnormity in literature

the presence of a structural abnormity in erythrocytes

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Word Frequency

abnormity in American English

(æbˈnɔrməti )

nounWord forms: plural abˈnormities

Rare

abnormality or monstrosity

Word origin

< L abnormis (see abnormal) + -ity

Word Frequency

Abo in British English

(ˈæbəʊ )

nounWord forms: plural Abos (sometimes not capital) Australian offensive, slang

short for Aborigine, Aboriginal

▶ USAGE Because of its highly offensive nature, this word is now completely unacceptable

Word Frequency

Åbo in British English

(ˈoːbuː)

noun

the Swedish name for Turku

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Word Frequency

abo in American English

(ˈæboʊ )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabos

Austral, Slang

an Aborigine

an offensive term

Word Frequency

Åbo in American English

(ˈoʊbu )

Swedish

Turku

Word Frequency

Abo in British English

(ˈæbəʊ )

nounWord forms: plural Abos (sometimes not capital) Australian offensive, slang

short for Aborigine, Aboriginal

▶ USAGE Because of its highly offensive nature, this word is now completely unacceptable

Word Frequency

Åbo in British English

(ˈoːbuː)

noun

the Swedish name for Turku

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Word Frequency

abo in American English

(ˈæboʊ )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabos

Austral, Slang

an Aborigine

an offensive term

Word Frequency

Åbo in American English

(ˈoʊbu )

Swedish

Turku

Word Frequency

aboard

(əbɔːʳd )

preposition

If you are aboard a ship or plane, you are on it or in it.

She invited 750 people aboard the luxury yacht, the Savarona.

They said goodbye to him as he got aboard the train at Union Station.

Aboard is also an adverb.

It had taken two hours to load all the people aboard.

The United States has a naval task force offshore, with two thousand marines aboard.

English Easy Learning GrammarPrepositionsA preposition is one of a small but very common group of words that relate different items to each other. Most English prepositions have a number of meanings ... Read more

Video: pronunciation of
aboard

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Word Frequency

aboard in British English

(əˈbɔːd )

adverb, adjective, preposition (postpositive)

1.

on, in, onto, or into (a ship, train, aircraft, etc)

2. nautical

alongside (a vessel)

3. all aboard!

Word Frequency

aboard in American English

(əˈbɔrd )

adverb

1.

on board; on, in, or into a ship, airplane, etc.

2. Nautical

alongside

the sailboat passed our ship close aboard

3.

as a participant, partner, employee, etc.

usually in the phrases come aboard and welcome aboard

preposition

4.

on board of; on; in

Idioms:

all aboard!

Word origin

ME abord < OFr a bord: see board

Word Frequency

abode

(əboʊd )

Word forms: plural abodes

1. countable noun [usually poss NOUN]

Your abode is the place where you live.

[formal]

I went round the streets and found his new abode.

Synonyms: home, house, quarters, lodging More Synonyms of abode

2.

See no fixed abode

3.

See right of abode

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Word Frequency

abode in British English 1

(əˈbəʊd )

noun

a place in which one lives; one's home

Word origin

C17: n formed from abide

Word Frequency

abode in British English 2

(əˈbəʊd )

verb

a past tense and past participle of abide

Word Frequency

abode in American English 1

(əˈboʊd )

noun

a place where one lives or stays; home; residence

Word origin

ME abad, abood < pp. of abiden, abide

Word Frequency

abode in American English 2

(əˈboʊd )

verb intransitive, verb transitive

alt. pt. and pp. of

abide

Word Frequency

abode

(əboʊd )

Word forms: plural abodes

1. countable noun [usually poss NOUN]

Your abode is the place where you live.

[formal]

I went round the streets and found his new abode.

Synonyms: home, house, quarters, lodging More Synonyms of abode

2.

See no fixed abode

3.

See right of abode

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Word Frequency

abode in British English 1

(əˈbəʊd )

noun

a place in which one lives; one's home

Word origin

C17: n formed from abide

Word Frequency

abode in British English 2

(əˈbəʊd )

verb

a past tense and past participle of abide

Word Frequency

abode in American English 1

(əˈboʊd )

noun

a place where one lives or stays; home; residence

Word origin

ME abad, abood < pp. of abiden, abide

Word Frequency

abode in American English 2

(əˈboʊd )

verb intransitive, verb transitive

alt. pt. and pp. of

abide

Word Frequency

aboil in British English

(əˈbɔɪl)

adjective (postpositive) literary

1.

boiling

The pot's aboil.

2.

indicating a volatile situation in which people are very excited or angry

streets aboil with activists

Something's aboil in America.

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Word Frequency

aboil in American English

(əˈbɔil)

adverb or adjective

1.

boiling

Make the tea as soon as the water is aboil

2.

in a state of excited activity

The street was aboil with Saturday shoppers

Word origin

[1855–60; a-1 + boil1]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boilerplate, keyword, kickoff, output, pipelinea- is a reduced form of the Old English preposition on, meaning “on,” “in,” “into,” “to,” “toward,” preserved before a noun in a prepositional phrase, forming a predicate adjective or an adverbial element (afoot; abed; ashore; aside; away), or before an adjective (afar; aloud; alow), as a moribund prefix with a verb (acknowledge), and in archaic and dialectal use before a present participle in -ing (set the bells aringing); and added to a verb stem with the force of a present participle (ablaze; agape; aglow; astride; and originally, awry)

Word Frequency

abolish

(əbɒlɪʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abolishes , present participle abolishing , past tense, past participle abolished

verb

If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it.

The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder. [VERB noun]

The whole system should be abolished.

Synonyms: do away with, end, destroy, eliminate More Synonyms of abolish

Video: pronunciation of
abolish

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Word Frequency

abolish in British English

(əˈbɒlɪʃ )

verb

(transitive)

to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc); put an end to

Derived forms

abolishable (aˈbolishable)

adjective

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir), ultimately from Latin abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolish in American English

(əˈbɑlɪʃ )

verb transitive

to do away with completely; put an end to; esp., to make (a law, etc.) null and void

SYNONYMY NOTE: abolish denotes a complete doing away with something, as a practice, institution, or condition [to abolish slavery, bias, etc.]; annul, abrogate stress a canceling by authority or formal action [the marriage was annulled; the law abrogated certain privileges]; rescind, revoke, repeal all describe the setting aside of laws, orders, etc. [to rescind an order, revoke a charter, repeal a law]

OPPOSITE: establish

Derived forms

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

ME abolisshen < OFr aboliss-, extended stem of abolir < L abolescere, to decay little by little, inceptive of abolere, to retard, destroy: formed, with ab-, from, to contrast with adolere, to increase, grow

Word Frequency

abolish

(əbɒlɪʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abolishes , present participle abolishing , past tense, past participle abolished

verb

If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it.

The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder. [VERB noun]

The whole system should be abolished.

Synonyms: do away with, end, destroy, eliminate More Synonyms of abolish

Video: pronunciation of
abolish

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Word Frequency

abolish in British English

(əˈbɒlɪʃ )

verb

(transitive)

to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc); put an end to

Derived forms

abolishable (aˈbolishable)

adjective

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir), ultimately from Latin abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolish in American English

(əˈbɑlɪʃ )

verb transitive

to do away with completely; put an end to; esp., to make (a law, etc.) null and void

SYNONYMY NOTE: abolish denotes a complete doing away with something, as a practice, institution, or condition [to abolish slavery, bias, etc.]; annul, abrogate stress a canceling by authority or formal action [the marriage was annulled; the law abrogated certain privileges]; rescind, revoke, repeal all describe the setting aside of laws, orders, etc. [to rescind an order, revoke a charter, repeal a law]

OPPOSITE: establish

Derived forms

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

ME abolisshen < OFr aboliss-, extended stem of abolir < L abolescere, to decay little by little, inceptive of abolere, to retard, destroy: formed, with ab-, from, to contrast with adolere, to increase, grow

Word Frequency

abolish

(əbɒlɪʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abolishes , present participle abolishing , past tense, past participle abolished

verb

If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it.

The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder. [VERB noun]

The whole system should be abolished.

Synonyms: do away with, end, destroy, eliminate More Synonyms of abolish

Video: pronunciation of
abolish

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Word Frequency

abolish in British English

(əˈbɒlɪʃ )

verb

(transitive)

to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc); put an end to

Derived forms

abolishable (aˈbolishable)

adjective

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir), ultimately from Latin abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolish in American English

(əˈbɑlɪʃ )

verb transitive

to do away with completely; put an end to; esp., to make (a law, etc.) null and void

SYNONYMY NOTE: abolish denotes a complete doing away with something, as a practice, institution, or condition [to abolish slavery, bias, etc.]; annul, abrogate stress a canceling by authority or formal action [the marriage was annulled; the law abrogated certain privileges]; rescind, revoke, repeal all describe the setting aside of laws, orders, etc. [to rescind an order, revoke a charter, repeal a law]

OPPOSITE: establish

Derived forms

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

ME abolisshen < OFr aboliss-, extended stem of abolir < L abolescere, to decay little by little, inceptive of abolere, to retard, destroy: formed, with ab-, from, to contrast with adolere, to increase, grow

Word Frequency

abolish

(əbɒlɪʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abolishes , present participle abolishing , past tense, past participle abolished

verb

If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it.

The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder. [VERB noun]

The whole system should be abolished.

Synonyms: do away with, end, destroy, eliminate More Synonyms of abolish

Video: pronunciation of
abolish

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Word Frequency

abolish in British English

(əˈbɒlɪʃ )

verb

(transitive)

to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc); put an end to

Derived forms

abolishable (aˈbolishable)

adjective

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir), ultimately from Latin abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolish in American English

(əˈbɑlɪʃ )

verb transitive

to do away with completely; put an end to; esp., to make (a law, etc.) null and void

SYNONYMY NOTE: abolish denotes a complete doing away with something, as a practice, institution, or condition [to abolish slavery, bias, etc.]; annul, abrogate stress a canceling by authority or formal action [the marriage was annulled; the law abrogated certain privileges]; rescind, revoke, repeal all describe the setting aside of laws, orders, etc. [to rescind an order, revoke a charter, repeal a law]

OPPOSITE: establish

Derived forms

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

ME abolisshen < OFr aboliss-, extended stem of abolir < L abolescere, to decay little by little, inceptive of abolere, to retard, destroy: formed, with ab-, from, to contrast with adolere, to increase, grow

Word Frequency

abolish

(əbɒlɪʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abolishes , present participle abolishing , past tense, past participle abolished

verb

If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it.

The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder. [VERB noun]

The whole system should be abolished.

Synonyms: do away with, end, destroy, eliminate More Synonyms of abolish

Video: pronunciation of
abolish

You may also like

Word Frequency

abolish in British English

(əˈbɒlɪʃ )

verb

(transitive)

to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc); put an end to

Derived forms

abolishable (aˈbolishable)

adjective

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir), ultimately from Latin abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolish in American English

(əˈbɑlɪʃ )

verb transitive

to do away with completely; put an end to; esp., to make (a law, etc.) null and void

SYNONYMY NOTE: abolish denotes a complete doing away with something, as a practice, institution, or condition [to abolish slavery, bias, etc.]; annul, abrogate stress a canceling by authority or formal action [the marriage was annulled; the law abrogated certain privileges]; rescind, revoke, repeal all describe the setting aside of laws, orders, etc. [to rescind an order, revoke a charter, repeal a law]

OPPOSITE: establish

Derived forms

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

ME abolisshen < OFr aboliss-, extended stem of abolir < L abolescere, to decay little by little, inceptive of abolere, to retard, destroy: formed, with ab-, from, to contrast with adolere, to increase, grow

Word Frequency

abolish

(əbɒlɪʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abolishes , present participle abolishing , past tense, past participle abolished

verb

If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it.

The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder. [VERB noun]

The whole system should be abolished.

Synonyms: do away with, end, destroy, eliminate More Synonyms of abolish

Video: pronunciation of
abolish

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Word Frequency

abolish in British English

(əˈbɒlɪʃ )

verb

(transitive)

to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc); put an end to

Derived forms

abolishable (aˈbolishable)

adjective

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir), ultimately from Latin abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolish in American English

(əˈbɑlɪʃ )

verb transitive

to do away with completely; put an end to; esp., to make (a law, etc.) null and void

SYNONYMY NOTE: abolish denotes a complete doing away with something, as a practice, institution, or condition [to abolish slavery, bias, etc.]; annul, abrogate stress a canceling by authority or formal action [the marriage was annulled; the law abrogated certain privileges]; rescind, revoke, repeal all describe the setting aside of laws, orders, etc. [to rescind an order, revoke a charter, repeal a law]

OPPOSITE: establish

Derived forms

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

ME abolisshen < OFr aboliss-, extended stem of abolir < L abolescere, to decay little by little, inceptive of abolere, to retard, destroy: formed, with ab-, from, to contrast with adolere, to increase, grow

Word Frequency

abolish

(əbɒlɪʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abolishes , present participle abolishing , past tense, past participle abolished

verb

If someone in authority abolishes a system or practice, they formally put an end to it.

The following year Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty for murder. [VERB noun]

The whole system should be abolished.

Synonyms: do away with, end, destroy, eliminate More Synonyms of abolish

Video: pronunciation of
abolish

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Word Frequency

abolish in British English

(əˈbɒlɪʃ )

verb

(transitive)

to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc); put an end to

Derived forms

abolishable (aˈbolishable)

adjective

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir), ultimately from Latin abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolish in American English

(əˈbɑlɪʃ )

verb transitive

to do away with completely; put an end to; esp., to make (a law, etc.) null and void

SYNONYMY NOTE: abolish denotes a complete doing away with something, as a practice, institution, or condition [to abolish slavery, bias, etc.]; annul, abrogate stress a canceling by authority or formal action [the marriage was annulled; the law abrogated certain privileges]; rescind, revoke, repeal all describe the setting aside of laws, orders, etc. [to rescind an order, revoke a charter, repeal a law]

OPPOSITE: establish

Derived forms

abolisher (aˈbolisher)

noun

abolishment (aˈbolishment)

noun

Word origin

ME abolisshen < OFr aboliss-, extended stem of abolir < L abolescere, to decay little by little, inceptive of abolere, to retard, destroy: formed, with ab-, from, to contrast with adolere, to increase, grow

Word Frequency

abolition

(æbəlɪʃən )

uncountable noun [oft a NOUN]

The abolition of something such as a system or practice is its formal ending.

...the abolition of slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean. [+ of]

Synonyms: eradication, ending, end, withdrawal More Synonyms of abolition

Video: pronunciation of
abolition

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Word Frequency

abolition in British English

(ˌæbəˈlɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of abolishing or the state of being abolished; annulment

2. (often capital)

(in British territories) the ending of the slave trade (1807) or the ending of slavery (1833): accomplished after a long campaign led by William Wilberforce

3. (often capital)

(in the US) the emancipation of the slaves, accomplished by the Emancipation Proclamation issued in 1863 and ratified in 1865

Derived forms

abolitionary (ˌaboˈlitionary)

adjective

abolitionism (ˌaboˈlitionism)

noun

abolitionist (ˌaboˈlitionist)

noun, adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin abolitio, from abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolition in American English

(ˌæbəˈlɪʃən )

noun

1.

an abolishing or being abolished

2. [occas. A-]

the abolishing of slavery in the U.S.

Derived forms

abolitionary (ˌaboˈlitionˌary)

adjective

Word origin

Fr or L

Word Frequency

abolition

(æbəlɪʃən )

uncountable noun [oft a NOUN]

The abolition of something such as a system or practice is its formal ending.

...the abolition of slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean. [+ of]

Synonyms: eradication, ending, end, withdrawal More Synonyms of abolition

Video: pronunciation of
abolition

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Word Frequency

abolition in British English

(ˌæbəˈlɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of abolishing or the state of being abolished; annulment

2. (often capital)

(in British territories) the ending of the slave trade (1807) or the ending of slavery (1833): accomplished after a long campaign led by William Wilberforce

3. (often capital)

(in the US) the emancipation of the slaves, accomplished by the Emancipation Proclamation issued in 1863 and ratified in 1865

Derived forms

abolitionary (ˌaboˈlitionary)

adjective

abolitionism (ˌaboˈlitionism)

noun

abolitionist (ˌaboˈlitionist)

noun, adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin abolitio, from abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolition in American English

(ˌæbəˈlɪʃən )

noun

1.

an abolishing or being abolished

2. [occas. A-]

the abolishing of slavery in the U.S.

Derived forms

abolitionary (ˌaboˈlitionˌary)

adjective

Word origin

Fr or L

Word Frequency

abolition

(æbəlɪʃən )

uncountable noun [oft a NOUN]

The abolition of something such as a system or practice is its formal ending.

...the abolition of slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean. [+ of]

Synonyms: eradication, ending, end, withdrawal More Synonyms of abolition

Video: pronunciation of
abolition

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Word Frequency

abolition in British English

(ˌæbəˈlɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of abolishing or the state of being abolished; annulment

2. (often capital)

(in British territories) the ending of the slave trade (1807) or the ending of slavery (1833): accomplished after a long campaign led by William Wilberforce

3. (often capital)

(in the US) the emancipation of the slaves, accomplished by the Emancipation Proclamation issued in 1863 and ratified in 1865

Derived forms

abolitionary (ˌaboˈlitionary)

adjective

abolitionism (ˌaboˈlitionism)

noun

abolitionist (ˌaboˈlitionist)

noun, adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin abolitio, from abolēre to destroy

Word Frequency

abolition in American English

(ˌæbəˈlɪʃən )

noun

1.

an abolishing or being abolished

2. [occas. A-]

the abolishing of slavery in the U.S.

Derived forms

abolitionary (ˌaboˈlitionˌary)

adjective

Word origin

Fr or L

Word Frequency

abolitionist

(æbəlɪʃənɪst )

Word forms: plural abolitionists

countable noun [oft NOUN noun]

An abolitionist is someone who campaigns for the abolition of a particular system or practice.

By 1838, the abolitionists had shamed parliament into ending slavery in British colonies.

There is no need to abandon the abolitionist principles as such.

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Word Frequency

abolitionist in American English

(ˌæbəlɪʃɪst )

noun

1.

a person in favor of abolishing some law, custom, etc.

2. [occas. A-]

one who favored the abolition of slavery in the U.S.

Derived forms

abolitionism (ˌaboˈlitionˌism)

noun

Word Frequency

abolitionist

(æbəlɪʃənɪst )

Word forms: plural abolitionists

countable noun [oft NOUN noun]

An abolitionist is someone who campaigns for the abolition of a particular system or practice.

By 1838, the abolitionists had shamed parliament into ending slavery in British colonies.

There is no need to abandon the abolitionist principles as such.

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Word Frequency

abolitionist in American English

(ˌæbəlɪʃɪst )

noun

1.

a person in favor of abolishing some law, custom, etc.

2. [occas. A-]

one who favored the abolition of slavery in the U.S.

Derived forms

abolitionism (ˌaboˈlitionˌism)

noun

Word Frequency

abomasum in British English

(ˌæbəˈmeɪsəm ) or abomasus (ˌæbəˈmeɪsəs)

nounWord forms: plural -sa (-sə) or -si (-saɪ)

the fourth and last compartment of the stomach of ruminants, which receives and digests food from the psalterium and passes it on to the small intestine

Word origin

C18: New Latin, from ab-1 + omāsum bullock's tripe

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Word Frequency

abomasum in American English

(ˌæbəˈmeɪsəm )

nounWord forms: plural ˌaboˈmasa (ˌæbəˈmeɪsə )

the fourth, or digesting, chamber of the stomach of a cud-chewing animal, as the cow

Word origin

ModL < ab- + omasum

Word Frequency

A-bomb

(eɪ bɒm )

Word forms: plural A-bombs

countable noun

An A-bomb is an atomic bomb.

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Word Frequency

A-bomb in British English

noun

short for atomic bomb

Word Frequency

A-bomb in American English

(ˈeɪˌbɑm )

US

noun

1.

atomic bomb

verb transitive

2.

to attack or destroy with an atomic bomb

Word Frequency

A-bomb

(eɪ bɒm )

Word forms: plural A-bombs

countable noun

An A-bomb is an atomic bomb.

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Word Frequency

A-bomb in British English

noun

short for atomic bomb

Word Frequency

A-bomb in American English

(ˈeɪˌbɑm )

US

noun

1.

atomic bomb

verb transitive

2.

to attack or destroy with an atomic bomb

Word Frequency

abominable

(əbɒmɪnəbəl )

adjective

Something that is abominable is very unpleasant or bad.

The President described the killings as an abominable crime.

The weather was abominable, cold with wind and rain.

Synonyms: detestable, shocking, terrible [informal], offensive More Synonyms of abominable

abominably (əbɒmɪnəbli ) adverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB -ed/adjective]

Chloe has behaved abominably.

Wallis was often abominably rude.

Synonyms: dreadfully, badly, terribly, horribly More Synonyms of abominable

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Word Frequency

abominable in British English

(əˈbɒmɪnəbəl )

adjective

1.

offensive; loathsome; detestable

2. informal

very bad, unpleasant, or inferior

abominable weather

abominable workmanship

Derived forms

abominably (aˈbominably)

adverb

Word origin

C14: from Latin abōminābilis, from abōminārī to abominate

Word Frequency

abominable in American English

(əˈbɑmənəbəl )

adjective

1.

nasty and disgusting; vile; loathsome

2.

highly unpleasant; disagreeable; very bad

abominable taste

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈhateful

Derived forms

abominably (aˈbominably)

adverb

Word origin

ME abhominable (sp. infl. by folk etym. deriv. < L ab homine, away from man, inhuman) < OFr abominable < L abominabilis < abominari: see abominate

Word Frequency

abhominable in British English

(əˈbɒmɪnəbəl)

adjective

another word for abominable

abominable in British English

(əˈbɒmɪnəbəl )

adjective

1.

offensive; loathsome; detestable

2. informal

very bad, unpleasant, or inferior

abominable weather

abominable workmanship

Derived forms

abominably (aˈbominably)

adverb

Word origin

C14: from Latin abōminābilis, from abōminārī to abominate

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Word Frequency

abhominable in American English

(æbˈhɑmənəbəl)

adjective

obsolete

abominable

Word origin

[1325–75; ME ‹ ML abhominābilis, alter. of L abōminābilis abominable, by assoc. with phrase ab homine from man, inhuman]This word is first recorded in the period 1325–75. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: border, division, glaze, position, reduce

Word Frequency

abominate in British English

(əˈbɒmɪˌneɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to dislike intensely; loathe; detest

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from the past participle of Latin abōminārī to regard as an ill omen, from ab- away from + ōmin-, from omen

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Word Frequency

abominate in American English

(əˈbɑməˌneɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbomiˌnated or aˈbomiˌnating

1.

to feel hatred and disgust for; loathe

2.

to dislike very much

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

< L abominatus, pp. of abominari, to regard as an ill omen: see ab- & omen

Word Frequency

abominate in British English

(əˈbɒmɪˌneɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to dislike intensely; loathe; detest

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from the past participle of Latin abōminārī to regard as an ill omen, from ab- away from + ōmin-, from omen

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Word Frequency

abominate in American English

(əˈbɑməˌneɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbomiˌnated or aˈbomiˌnating

1.

to feel hatred and disgust for; loathe

2.

to dislike very much

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

< L abominatus, pp. of abominari, to regard as an ill omen: see ab- & omen

Word Frequency

abominate in British English

(əˈbɒmɪˌneɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to dislike intensely; loathe; detest

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from the past participle of Latin abōminārī to regard as an ill omen, from ab- away from + ōmin-, from omen

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Word Frequency

abominate in American English

(əˈbɑməˌneɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbomiˌnated or aˈbomiˌnating

1.

to feel hatred and disgust for; loathe

2.

to dislike very much

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

< L abominatus, pp. of abominari, to regard as an ill omen: see ab- & omen

Word Frequency

abominate in British English

(əˈbɒmɪˌneɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to dislike intensely; loathe; detest

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from the past participle of Latin abōminārī to regard as an ill omen, from ab- away from + ōmin-, from omen

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Word Frequency

abominate in American English

(əˈbɑməˌneɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbomiˌnated or aˈbomiˌnating

1.

to feel hatred and disgust for; loathe

2.

to dislike very much

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

< L abominatus, pp. of abominari, to regard as an ill omen: see ab- & omen

Word Frequency

abomination

(əbɒmɪneɪʃən )

Word forms: plural abominations

countable noun

If you say that something is an abomination, you think that it is completely unacceptable.

[formal, disapproval]

What is happening is an abomination.

Synonyms: outrage, bête noire, horror, evil More Synonyms of abomination

More Synonyms of abomination

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Word Frequency

abomination in British English

(əˌbɒmɪˈneɪʃən )

noun

1.

a person or thing that is disgusting

2.

an action that is vicious, vile, etc

3.

intense loathing

Word Frequency

abomination in American English

(əˌbɑməˈneɪʃən )

noun

1.

an abominating; great hatred and disgust; loathing

2.

anything hateful and disgusting

Word Frequency

abomination

(əbɒmɪneɪʃən )

Word forms: plural abominations

countable noun

If you say that something is an abomination, you think that it is completely unacceptable.

[formal, disapproval]

What is happening is an abomination.

Synonyms: outrage, bête noire, horror, evil More Synonyms of abomination

More Synonyms of abomination

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Word Frequency

abomination in British English

(əˌbɒmɪˈneɪʃən )

noun

1.

a person or thing that is disgusting

2.

an action that is vicious, vile, etc

3.

intense loathing

Word Frequency

abomination in American English

(əˌbɑməˈneɪʃən )

noun

1.

an abominating; great hatred and disgust; loathing

2.

anything hateful and disgusting

Word Frequency

abominate in British English

(əˈbɒmɪˌneɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to dislike intensely; loathe; detest

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

C17: from the past participle of Latin abōminārī to regard as an ill omen, from ab- away from + ōmin-, from omen

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Word Frequency

abominate in American English

(əˈbɑməˌneɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbomiˌnated or aˈbomiˌnating

1.

to feel hatred and disgust for; loathe

2.

to dislike very much

Derived forms

abominator (aˈbomiˌnator)

noun

Word origin

< L abominatus, pp. of abominari, to regard as an ill omen: see ab- & omen

Word Frequency

aboral in British English

(æbˈɔːrəl )

adjective

zoology

away from or opposite the mouth

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Word Frequency

aboral in American English

(æbˈɔrəl, -ˈour-)

adjective

Anatomy & Zoology

opposite to or away from the mouth

Derived forms

aborally

adverb

Word origin

[1855–60; ab- + oral]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: barrage, boilerplate, keyword, pickup, superheatab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

aboriginal

(æbərɪdʒɪnəl )

Word forms: plural aboriginals

1. countable noun

An Aboriginal is an Australian Aborigine.

The islands are considered by the west coast Aboriginals to be 'the place where time began'.

Synonyms: original inhabitant, native, aborigine, indigene More Synonyms of aboriginal

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Aboriginal means belonging or relating to the Australian Aborigines.

...Aboriginal art.

...a protest over Aboriginal land rights.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

The aboriginal people or animals of a place are ones that have been there from the earliest known times or that were there before people or animals from other countries arrived.

Synonyms: indigenous, first, earliest, original More Synonyms of aboriginal

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Word Frequency

aboriginal in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl )

adjective

existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous

Derived forms

aboriginally (ˌaboˈriginally)

adverb

Word Frequency

Aboriginal in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or characteristic of the indigenous peoples of Australia

noun

2. another word for an Australian Aborigine

▶ USAGE The Australian government suggests that the most exact and inclusive way of referring to the indigenous peoples of Australia is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Other terms which are acceptable are: Aboriginal people(s), Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

Word Frequency

aboriginal in American English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒənəl )

adjective

1.

existing (in a place) from the beginning or from earliest days; first; indigenous

2.

of or characteristic of aborigines

noun

3.

an aboriginal animal, plant, or person

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈnative

Derived forms

aboriginally (ˌaboˈriginally)

adverb

Word origin

< aborigine + -al

Word Frequency

aboriginal

(æbərɪdʒɪnəl )

Word forms: plural aboriginals

1. countable noun

An Aboriginal is an Australian Aborigine.

The islands are considered by the west coast Aboriginals to be 'the place where time began'.

Synonyms: original inhabitant, native, aborigine, indigene More Synonyms of aboriginal

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Aboriginal means belonging or relating to the Australian Aborigines.

...Aboriginal art.

...a protest over Aboriginal land rights.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

The aboriginal people or animals of a place are ones that have been there from the earliest known times or that were there before people or animals from other countries arrived.

Synonyms: indigenous, first, earliest, original More Synonyms of aboriginal

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Word Frequency

aboriginal in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl )

adjective

existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous

Derived forms

aboriginally (ˌaboˈriginally)

adverb

Word Frequency

Aboriginal in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or characteristic of the indigenous peoples of Australia

noun

2. another word for an Australian Aborigine

▶ USAGE The Australian government suggests that the most exact and inclusive way of referring to the indigenous peoples of Australia is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Other terms which are acceptable are: Aboriginal people(s), Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

Word Frequency

aboriginal in American English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒənəl )

adjective

1.

existing (in a place) from the beginning or from earliest days; first; indigenous

2.

of or characteristic of aborigines

noun

3.

an aboriginal animal, plant, or person

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈnative

Derived forms

aboriginally (ˌaboˈriginally)

adverb

Word origin

< aborigine + -al

Word Frequency

aboriginal

(æbərɪdʒɪnəl )

Word forms: plural aboriginals

1. countable noun

An Aboriginal is an Australian Aborigine.

The islands are considered by the west coast Aboriginals to be 'the place where time began'.

Synonyms: original inhabitant, native, aborigine, indigene More Synonyms of aboriginal

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Aboriginal means belonging or relating to the Australian Aborigines.

...Aboriginal art.

...a protest over Aboriginal land rights.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

The aboriginal people or animals of a place are ones that have been there from the earliest known times or that were there before people or animals from other countries arrived.

Synonyms: indigenous, first, earliest, original More Synonyms of aboriginal

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Word Frequency

aboriginal in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl )

adjective

existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous

Derived forms

aboriginally (ˌaboˈriginally)

adverb

Word Frequency

Aboriginal in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or characteristic of the indigenous peoples of Australia

noun

2. another word for an Australian Aborigine

▶ USAGE The Australian government suggests that the most exact and inclusive way of referring to the indigenous peoples of Australia is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Other terms which are acceptable are: Aboriginal people(s), Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

Word Frequency

aboriginal in American English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒənəl )

adjective

1.

existing (in a place) from the beginning or from earliest days; first; indigenous

2.

of or characteristic of aborigines

noun

3.

an aboriginal animal, plant, or person

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈnative

Derived forms

aboriginally (ˌaboˈriginally)

adverb

Word origin

< aborigine + -al

Word Frequency

aboriginal

(æbərɪdʒɪnəl )

Word forms: plural aboriginals

1. countable noun

An Aboriginal is an Australian Aborigine.

The islands are considered by the west coast Aboriginals to be 'the place where time began'.

Synonyms: original inhabitant, native, aborigine, indigene More Synonyms of aboriginal

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Aboriginal means belonging or relating to the Australian Aborigines.

...Aboriginal art.

...a protest over Aboriginal land rights.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

The aboriginal people or animals of a place are ones that have been there from the earliest known times or that were there before people or animals from other countries arrived.

Synonyms: indigenous, first, earliest, original More Synonyms of aboriginal

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Word Frequency

aboriginal in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl )

adjective

existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous

Derived forms

aboriginally (ˌaboˈriginally)

adverb

Word Frequency

Aboriginal in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or characteristic of the indigenous peoples of Australia

noun

2. another word for an Australian Aborigine

▶ USAGE The Australian government suggests that the most exact and inclusive way of referring to the indigenous peoples of Australia is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Other terms which are acceptable are: Aboriginal people(s), Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

Word Frequency

aboriginal in American English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒənəl )

adjective

1.

existing (in a place) from the beginning or from earliest days; first; indigenous

2.

of or characteristic of aborigines

noun

3.

an aboriginal animal, plant, or person

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈnative

Derived forms

aboriginally (ˌaboˈriginally)

adverb

Word origin

< aborigine + -al

Word Frequency

Aborigine

(æbərɪdʒɪni )

Word forms: plural Aborigines

countable noun [usually plural]

Aborigines are members of the tribes that were living in Australia when Europeans arrived there.

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'Aborigine'

'Australasian peoples'

Word Frequency

aborigine in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnɪ )

noun

an original inhabitant of a country or region who has been there from the earliest known times

Word origin

C16: back formation from aborigines, from Latin: inhabitants of Latium in pre-Roman times, probably representing some tribal name but associated in folk etymology with ab origine from the beginning

Word Frequency

Aborigine in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnɪ )

noun

1. Also called: Aboriginal sometimes offensive

a member of the indigenous people who were living in Australia when European settlers arrived

2.

any of the languages of this people

aborigine in American English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒəˌni )

nounWord forms: plural ˌaboˈrigiˌnes

1.

a.

any of the first or earliest known inhabitants of a certain region; native

b. [A-]

a member of the aboriginal people of Australia

2. [pl.]

the native animals or plants of a certain region

Word origin

L, first inhabitant < ab-, from + origine, origin

Word Frequency

Aborigine

(æbərɪdʒɪni )

Word forms: plural Aborigines

countable noun [usually plural]

Aborigines are members of the tribes that were living in Australia when Europeans arrived there.

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'Aborigine'

'Australasian peoples'

Word Frequency

aborigine in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnɪ )

noun

an original inhabitant of a country or region who has been there from the earliest known times

Word origin

C16: back formation from aborigines, from Latin: inhabitants of Latium in pre-Roman times, probably representing some tribal name but associated in folk etymology with ab origine from the beginning

Word Frequency

Aborigine in British English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪnɪ )

noun

1. Also called: Aboriginal sometimes offensive

a member of the indigenous people who were living in Australia when European settlers arrived

2.

any of the languages of this people

aborigine in American English

(ˌæbəˈrɪdʒəˌni )

nounWord forms: plural ˌaboˈrigiˌnes

1.

a.

any of the first or earliest known inhabitants of a certain region; native

b. [A-]

a member of the aboriginal people of Australia

2. [pl.]

the native animals or plants of a certain region

Word origin

L, first inhabitant < ab-, from + origine, origin

Word Frequency

aborning in British English

(əˈbɔːnɪŋ )

adverb

US

while being born, developed, or realized (esp in the phrase die aborning)

Word origin

C20: from a-2 + borning, from born

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Word Frequency

aborning in American English

(əˈbɔrnɪŋ )

adverb

while being born or created

the plan died aborning

Word Frequency

abort

(əbɔːʳt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense aborts , present participle aborting , past tense, past participle aborted

1. verb

If an unborn baby is aborted, the pregnancy is ended deliberately and the baby is not born alive.

[formal]

Her lover walked out on her after she had aborted their child. [VERB noun]

...the latest date at which a foetus can be aborted. [VERB noun]

...tissue from aborted fetuses. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: terminatea pregnancy, miscarry More Synonyms of abort

2. verb

If someone aborts a process, plan, or activity, they stop it before it has been completed.

The decision was made to abort the mission. [VERB noun]

The take-off was aborted. [VERB noun]

A military guard was injured in the aborted coup. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: stop, end, finish, check More Synonyms of abort

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Word Frequency

abort in British English

(əˈbɔːt )

verb

1.

to undergo or cause (a woman) to undergo the termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable

2. (transitive)

to cause (a fetus) to be expelled from the womb before it is viable

3. (intransitive)

to fail to come to completion; go wrong

4. (transitive)

to stop the development of; cause to be abandoned

5. (intransitive)

to give birth to a dead or nonviable fetus

6.

(of a space flight, military operation, etc) to fail or terminate prematurely

7. (intransitive)

(of an organism or part of an organism) to fail to develop into the mature form

noun

8.

the premature termination or failure of (a space flight, military operation, etc)

Word origin

C16: from Latin abortāre, from the past participle of aborīrī to miscarry, from ab- wrongly, badly + orīrī to appear, arise, be born

Word Frequency

abort in American English

(əˈbɔrt )

verb intransitive

1.

to give birth before the embryo or fetus is viable; have a miscarriage

2.

to fail to be completed

3. Biology

to fail to develop; stay rudimentary

verb transitive

4.

a.

to end (a pregnancy) prematurely

b.

to cause (an embryo or fetus) to be expelled so as to end a pregnancy

c.

to cause to have an abortion

5.

to check (a disease) before fully developed

6. US

to cut short (an action or operation of an aircraft, spacecraft, etc.), as because of some failure in the equipment

noun

7.

a premature termination of a flight, mission, etc.

Word origin

L abortare < abortus, pp. of aboriri, to miscarry, pass away, orig., to set (as the sun) < ab-, from + oriri, to arise: see orient

Word Frequency

abort

(əbɔːʳt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense aborts , present participle aborting , past tense, past participle aborted

1. verb

If an unborn baby is aborted, the pregnancy is ended deliberately and the baby is not born alive.

[formal]

Her lover walked out on her after she had aborted their child. [VERB noun]

...the latest date at which a foetus can be aborted. [VERB noun]

...tissue from aborted fetuses. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: terminatea pregnancy, miscarry More Synonyms of abort

2. verb

If someone aborts a process, plan, or activity, they stop it before it has been completed.

The decision was made to abort the mission. [VERB noun]

The take-off was aborted. [VERB noun]

A military guard was injured in the aborted coup. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: stop, end, finish, check More Synonyms of abort

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Word Frequency

abort in British English

(əˈbɔːt )

verb

1.

to undergo or cause (a woman) to undergo the termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable

2. (transitive)

to cause (a fetus) to be expelled from the womb before it is viable

3. (intransitive)

to fail to come to completion; go wrong

4. (transitive)

to stop the development of; cause to be abandoned

5. (intransitive)

to give birth to a dead or nonviable fetus

6.

(of a space flight, military operation, etc) to fail or terminate prematurely

7. (intransitive)

(of an organism or part of an organism) to fail to develop into the mature form

noun

8.

the premature termination or failure of (a space flight, military operation, etc)

Word origin

C16: from Latin abortāre, from the past participle of aborīrī to miscarry, from ab- wrongly, badly + orīrī to appear, arise, be born

Word Frequency

abort in American English

(əˈbɔrt )

verb intransitive

1.

to give birth before the embryo or fetus is viable; have a miscarriage

2.

to fail to be completed

3. Biology

to fail to develop; stay rudimentary

verb transitive

4.

a.

to end (a pregnancy) prematurely

b.

to cause (an embryo or fetus) to be expelled so as to end a pregnancy

c.

to cause to have an abortion

5.

to check (a disease) before fully developed

6. US

to cut short (an action or operation of an aircraft, spacecraft, etc.), as because of some failure in the equipment

noun

7.

a premature termination of a flight, mission, etc.

Word origin

L abortare < abortus, pp. of aboriri, to miscarry, pass away, orig., to set (as the sun) < ab-, from + oriri, to arise: see orient

aborticide in British English

(əˈbɔːtɪˌsaɪd)

noun

1.

the killing of an unborn fetus

2. medicine another word for abortifacient

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aborticide in American English

(əˈbɔrtəˌsaɪd )

noun

1.

destruction of the embryo or fetus in the womb

2.

an abortifacient

Word origin

abortion + -cide

aborticide in American English

(əˈbɔrtəˌsaid)

noun

1.

destruction of a fetus in the uterus; feticide

2.

a drug or other agent that causes abortion

Word origin

[abort + -i- + -cide]-i- is the typical ending of the first element of compounds of Latin words, as -o- is of Greek words, but often used in English with a first element of any origin, if the second element is of Latin origin. Other words that use the affix -i- include: Frenchify, cuneiform; -cide is a learned borrowing from Latin meaning “killer,” “act of killing,” used in the formation of compound words. Other words that use the affix -cide include: homicide, pesticide

Word Frequency

abortifacient in British English

(əˌbɔːtɪˈfeɪʃənt )

adjective

1.

causing abortion

noun

2.

a drug or agent that causes abortion

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Word Frequency

abortifacient in American English

(əˌbɔrtəˈfeɪʃənt )

adjective

1.

causing abortion

noun

2.

a drug or agent that causes abortion

Word origin

< abortion + -facient

Word Frequency

abortifacient in American English

(əˌbɔrtəˈfeiʃənt)

adjective

1.

causing abortion

noun

2.

a drug or device used to cause abortion

a biochemical abortifacient in pill form

Word origin

[1870–75; abort + -i- + -facient]This word is first recorded in the period 1870–75. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: fifth wheel, giveaway, linkage, onshore, washout-i- is the typical ending of the first element of compounds of Latin words, as -o- is of Greek words, but often used in English with a first element of any origin, if the second element is of Latin origin. Other words that use the affix -i- include: Frenchify, cuneiform

Word Frequency

abort

(əbɔːʳt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense aborts , present participle aborting , past tense, past participle aborted

1. verb

If an unborn baby is aborted, the pregnancy is ended deliberately and the baby is not born alive.

[formal]

Her lover walked out on her after she had aborted their child. [VERB noun]

...the latest date at which a foetus can be aborted. [VERB noun]

...tissue from aborted fetuses. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: terminatea pregnancy, miscarry More Synonyms of abort

2. verb

If someone aborts a process, plan, or activity, they stop it before it has been completed.

The decision was made to abort the mission. [VERB noun]

The take-off was aborted. [VERB noun]

A military guard was injured in the aborted coup. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: stop, end, finish, check More Synonyms of abort

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Word Frequency

abort in British English

(əˈbɔːt )

verb

1.

to undergo or cause (a woman) to undergo the termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable

2. (transitive)

to cause (a fetus) to be expelled from the womb before it is viable

3. (intransitive)

to fail to come to completion; go wrong

4. (transitive)

to stop the development of; cause to be abandoned

5. (intransitive)

to give birth to a dead or nonviable fetus

6.

(of a space flight, military operation, etc) to fail or terminate prematurely

7. (intransitive)

(of an organism or part of an organism) to fail to develop into the mature form

noun

8.

the premature termination or failure of (a space flight, military operation, etc)

Word origin

C16: from Latin abortāre, from the past participle of aborīrī to miscarry, from ab- wrongly, badly + orīrī to appear, arise, be born

Word Frequency

abort in American English

(əˈbɔrt )

verb intransitive

1.

to give birth before the embryo or fetus is viable; have a miscarriage

2.

to fail to be completed

3. Biology

to fail to develop; stay rudimentary

verb transitive

4.

a.

to end (a pregnancy) prematurely

b.

to cause (an embryo or fetus) to be expelled so as to end a pregnancy

c.

to cause to have an abortion

5.

to check (a disease) before fully developed

6. US

to cut short (an action or operation of an aircraft, spacecraft, etc.), as because of some failure in the equipment

noun

7.

a premature termination of a flight, mission, etc.

Word origin

L abortare < abortus, pp. of aboriri, to miscarry, pass away, orig., to set (as the sun) < ab-, from + oriri, to arise: see orient

Word Frequency

abortion

(əbɔːʳʃən )

Word forms: plural abortions

variable noun

If a woman has an abortion, she ends her pregnancy deliberately so that the baby is not born alive.

His girlfriend had an abortion.

...anti-abortion groups.

He and his wife both strongly support abortion rights.

More Synonyms of abortion

Video: pronunciation of
abortion

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Word Frequency

abortion in British English

(əˈbɔːʃən )

noun

1.

an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable

2.

the premature termination of pregnancy by spontaneous or induced expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus

3.

the products of abortion; an aborted fetus

4.

the arrest of development of an organ

5.

a failure to develop to completion or maturity

the project proved an abortion

6.

a thing that is badly formed

Derived forms

abortional (aˈbortional)

adjective

Word Frequency

abortion in American English

(əˈbɔrʃən )

noun

1.

a.

any spontaneous expulsion of an embryo or a fetus before it is sufficiently developed to survive; miscarriage

b.

any deliberate procedure that removes, or induces the expulsion of, a living or dead embryo or fetus

2.

an aborted embryo or fetus

3.

anything immature and incomplete or unsuccessful, as a deformed creature, a badly developed plan, etc.

4. Biology

a.

arrest of development

b.

an organ whose development has been arrested

Word origin

L abortio: see abort

Word Frequency

abortion

(əbɔːʳʃən )

Word forms: plural abortions

variable noun

If a woman has an abortion, she ends her pregnancy deliberately so that the baby is not born alive.

His girlfriend had an abortion.

...anti-abortion groups.

He and his wife both strongly support abortion rights.

More Synonyms of abortion

Video: pronunciation of
abortion

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Word Frequency

abortion in British English

(əˈbɔːʃən )

noun

1.

an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable

2.

the premature termination of pregnancy by spontaneous or induced expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus

3.

the products of abortion; an aborted fetus

4.

the arrest of development of an organ

5.

a failure to develop to completion or maturity

the project proved an abortion

6.

a thing that is badly formed

Derived forms

abortional (aˈbortional)

adjective

Word Frequency

abortion in American English

(əˈbɔrʃən )

noun

1.

a.

any spontaneous expulsion of an embryo or a fetus before it is sufficiently developed to survive; miscarriage

b.

any deliberate procedure that removes, or induces the expulsion of, a living or dead embryo or fetus

2.

an aborted embryo or fetus

3.

anything immature and incomplete or unsuccessful, as a deformed creature, a badly developed plan, etc.

4. Biology

a.

arrest of development

b.

an organ whose development has been arrested

Word origin

L abortio: see abort

Word Frequency

abortionist

(əbɔːʳʃənɪst )

Word forms: plural abortionists

1. countable noun

An abortionist is someone who performs abortions, usually illegally.

She knew who to ask about finding an abortionist.

2. See also anti-abortionist

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Word Frequency

abortionist in British English

(əˈbɔːʃənɪst )

noun

1.

a person who performs abortions, esp illegally

2.

a person who is in favour of abortion on demand

Word Frequency

abortionist in American English

(əbɔrʃənɪst )

US

noun

a person who performs an abortion, esp. illegally

Word Frequency

abortionist

(əbɔːʳʃənɪst )

Word forms: plural abortionists

1. countable noun

An abortionist is someone who performs abortions, usually illegally.

She knew who to ask about finding an abortionist.

2. See also anti-abortionist

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Word Frequency

abortionist in British English

(əˈbɔːʃənɪst )

noun

1.

a person who performs abortions, esp illegally

2.

a person who is in favour of abortion on demand

Word Frequency

abortionist in American English

(əbɔrʃənɪst )

US

noun

a person who performs an abortion, esp. illegally

Word Frequency

abortion

(əbɔːʳʃən )

Word forms: plural abortions

variable noun

If a woman has an abortion, she ends her pregnancy deliberately so that the baby is not born alive.

His girlfriend had an abortion.

...anti-abortion groups.

He and his wife both strongly support abortion rights.

More Synonyms of abortion

Video: pronunciation of
abortion

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Word Frequency

abortion in British English

(əˈbɔːʃən )

noun

1.

an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable

2.

the premature termination of pregnancy by spontaneous or induced expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus

3.

the products of abortion; an aborted fetus

4.

the arrest of development of an organ

5.

a failure to develop to completion or maturity

the project proved an abortion

6.

a thing that is badly formed

Derived forms

abortional (aˈbortional)

adjective

Word Frequency

abortion in American English

(əˈbɔrʃən )

noun

1.

a.

any spontaneous expulsion of an embryo or a fetus before it is sufficiently developed to survive; miscarriage

b.

any deliberate procedure that removes, or induces the expulsion of, a living or dead embryo or fetus

2.

an aborted embryo or fetus

3.

anything immature and incomplete or unsuccessful, as a deformed creature, a badly developed plan, etc.

4. Biology

a.

arrest of development

b.

an organ whose development has been arrested

Word origin

L abortio: see abort

Word Frequency

abortive

(əbɔːʳtɪv )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

An abortive attempt or action is unsuccessful.

[formal]

...an abortive attempt to prevent the current President from taking office.

Synonyms: failed, failing, useless, vain More Synonyms of abortive

More Synonyms of abortive

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Word Frequency

abortive in British English

(əˈbɔːtɪv )

adjective

1.

failing to achieve a purpose; fruitless

2.

(of organisms) imperfectly developed; rudimentary

3.

causing abortion; abortifacient

Word Frequency

abortive in American English

(əˈbɔrtɪv )

adjective

1.

coming to nothing; unsuccessful; fruitless

2. Biology

arrested in development; rudimentary

3. Medicine

a.

causing abortion

b.

halting a disease process

4. Obsolete

born prematurely

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈfutile

Word origin

ME abortif < L abortivus: see abort

Word Frequency

abort

(əbɔːʳt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense aborts , present participle aborting , past tense, past participle aborted

1. verb

If an unborn baby is aborted, the pregnancy is ended deliberately and the baby is not born alive.

[formal]

Her lover walked out on her after she had aborted their child. [VERB noun]

...the latest date at which a foetus can be aborted. [VERB noun]

...tissue from aborted fetuses. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: terminatea pregnancy, miscarry More Synonyms of abort

2. verb

If someone aborts a process, plan, or activity, they stop it before it has been completed.

The decision was made to abort the mission. [VERB noun]

The take-off was aborted. [VERB noun]

A military guard was injured in the aborted coup. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: stop, end, finish, check More Synonyms of abort

You may also like

Word Frequency

abort in British English

(əˈbɔːt )

verb

1.

to undergo or cause (a woman) to undergo the termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable

2. (transitive)

to cause (a fetus) to be expelled from the womb before it is viable

3. (intransitive)

to fail to come to completion; go wrong

4. (transitive)

to stop the development of; cause to be abandoned

5. (intransitive)

to give birth to a dead or nonviable fetus

6.

(of a space flight, military operation, etc) to fail or terminate prematurely

7. (intransitive)

(of an organism or part of an organism) to fail to develop into the mature form

noun

8.

the premature termination or failure of (a space flight, military operation, etc)

Word origin

C16: from Latin abortāre, from the past participle of aborīrī to miscarry, from ab- wrongly, badly + orīrī to appear, arise, be born

Word Frequency

abort in American English

(əˈbɔrt )

verb intransitive

1.

to give birth before the embryo or fetus is viable; have a miscarriage

2.

to fail to be completed

3. Biology

to fail to develop; stay rudimentary

verb transitive

4.

a.

to end (a pregnancy) prematurely

b.

to cause (an embryo or fetus) to be expelled so as to end a pregnancy

c.

to cause to have an abortion

5.

to check (a disease) before fully developed

6. US

to cut short (an action or operation of an aircraft, spacecraft, etc.), as because of some failure in the equipment

noun

7.

a premature termination of a flight, mission, etc.

Word origin

L abortare < abortus, pp. of aboriri, to miscarry, pass away, orig., to set (as the sun) < ab-, from + oriri, to arise: see orient

Word Frequency

abortus in British English

(əˈbɔːtəs)

noun

medicine

an aborted human fetus, esp one that is less than 12 weeks old or weighs less than 17 oz

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Word Frequency

abortus in American English

(əˈbɔrtəs )

nounWord forms: plural aˈbortuses

an aborted fetus

Word Frequency

abortus in British English

(əˈbɔːtəs)

noun

medicine

an aborted human fetus, esp one that is less than 12 weeks old or weighs less than 17 oz

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Word Frequency

abortus in American English

(əˈbɔrtəs )

nounWord forms: plural aˈbortuses

an aborted fetus

Word Frequency

Abo in British English

(ˈæbəʊ )

nounWord forms: plural Abos (sometimes not capital) Australian offensive, slang

short for Aborigine, Aboriginal

▶ USAGE Because of its highly offensive nature, this word is now completely unacceptable

Word Frequency

Åbo in British English

(ˈoːbuː)

noun

the Swedish name for Turku

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Word Frequency

abo in American English

(ˈæboʊ )

nounWord forms: plural ˈabos

Austral, Slang

an Aborigine

an offensive term

Word Frequency

Åbo in American English

(ˈoʊbu )

Swedish

Turku

sapele in British English

(səˈpiːlɪ )

noun

1.

any of several W African meliaceous trees of the genus Entandrophragma, esp E. cylindricum, yielding a hard timber resembling mahogany

2.

the timber obtained from such a tree, used to make furniture

Word origin

C20: West African name

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sapele in American English

(səˈpili)

noun

1. Also called: aboudikro

the mahoganylike wood of any of several African trees of the genus Entandrophragma, used for making furniture

2.

a tree, esp Entandrophragma cylindricum, of the mahogany family, yielding this wood

Also called: sapele mahogany

Word origin

[1900–05; after Sapele, a port on the Benin River in S Nigeria]This word is first recorded in the period 1900–05. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: Young Turk, cathode-ray tube, clone, decompression, throwaway

Word Frequency

aboulia in British English

(əˈbuːlɪə , -ˈbjuː-)

noun

a variant spelling of abulia

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Word Frequency

aboulia in American English

(əˈbuliə ; əˈbjuliə )

noun

alt. sp. of

abulia

Word Frequency

abound

(əbaʊnd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abounds , present participle abounding , past tense, past participle abounded

verb

If things abound, or if a place abounds with things, there are very large numbers of them.

[formal]

Stories abound about when he was in charge. [VERB]

Venice abounds in famous hotels. [Vwith/in n]

The book abounds with close-up images from space. [V + with/in]

Synonyms: be plentiful, thrive, flourish, be numerous More Synonyms of abound

Video: pronunciation of
abound

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Word Frequency

abound in British English

(əˈbaʊnd )

verb (intransitive)

1.

to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful

a swamp in which snakes abound

2. (foll by with or in)

to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with)

the gardens abound with flowers

the fields abound in corn

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abundāre to overflow, from undāre to flow, from unda wave

Word Frequency

abound in American English

(əˈbaʊnd )

verb intransitive

1.

to be plentiful; exist in large numbers or amounts

tropical plants abound in the jungle

2.

to have plenty; be filled; be wealthy (in) or teem (with)

a land that abounds in grain, woods that abound with game

Word origin

ME abounden < OFr abonder < L abundare, to overflow < ab-, away + undare, to rise in waves < unda, a wave: see water

abound

(əbaʊnd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abounds , present participle abounding , past tense, past participle abounded

verb

If things abound, or if a place abounds with things, there are very large numbers of them.

[formal]

Stories abound about when he was in charge. [VERB]

Venice abounds in famous hotels. [Vwith/in n]

The book abounds with close-up images from space. [V + with/in]

Synonyms: be plentiful, thrive, flourish, be numerous More Synonyms of abound

Video: pronunciation of
abound

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abound in British English

(əˈbaʊnd )

verb (intransitive)

1.

to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful

a swamp in which snakes abound

2. (foll by with or in)

to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with)

the gardens abound with flowers

the fields abound in corn

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abundāre to overflow, from undāre to flow, from unda wave

abound in American English

(əˈbaʊnd )

verb intransitive

1.

to be plentiful; exist in large numbers or amounts

tropical plants abound in the jungle

2.

to have plenty; be filled; be wealthy (in) or teem (with)

a land that abounds in grain, woods that abound with game

Word origin

ME abounden < OFr abonder < L abundare, to overflow < ab-, away + undare, to rise in waves < unda, a wave: see water

Word Frequency

abound

(əbaʊnd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abounds , present participle abounding , past tense, past participle abounded

verb

If things abound, or if a place abounds with things, there are very large numbers of them.

[formal]

Stories abound about when he was in charge. [VERB]

Venice abounds in famous hotels. [Vwith/in n]

The book abounds with close-up images from space. [V + with/in]

Synonyms: be plentiful, thrive, flourish, be numerous More Synonyms of abound

Video: pronunciation of
abound

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Word Frequency

abound in British English

(əˈbaʊnd )

verb (intransitive)

1.

to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful

a swamp in which snakes abound

2. (foll by with or in)

to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with)

the gardens abound with flowers

the fields abound in corn

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abundāre to overflow, from undāre to flow, from unda wave

Word Frequency

abound in American English

(əˈbaʊnd )

verb intransitive

1.

to be plentiful; exist in large numbers or amounts

tropical plants abound in the jungle

2.

to have plenty; be filled; be wealthy (in) or teem (with)

a land that abounds in grain, woods that abound with game

Word origin

ME abounden < OFr abonder < L abundare, to overflow < ab-, away + undare, to rise in waves < unda, a wave: see water

abound

(əbaʊnd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abounds , present participle abounding , past tense, past participle abounded

verb

If things abound, or if a place abounds with things, there are very large numbers of them.

[formal]

Stories abound about when he was in charge. [VERB]

Venice abounds in famous hotels. [Vwith/in n]

The book abounds with close-up images from space. [V + with/in]

Synonyms: be plentiful, thrive, flourish, be numerous More Synonyms of abound

Video: pronunciation of
abound

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abound in British English

(əˈbaʊnd )

verb (intransitive)

1.

to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful

a swamp in which snakes abound

2. (foll by with or in)

to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with)

the gardens abound with flowers

the fields abound in corn

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abundāre to overflow, from undāre to flow, from unda wave

abound in American English

(əˈbaʊnd )

verb intransitive

1.

to be plentiful; exist in large numbers or amounts

tropical plants abound in the jungle

2.

to have plenty; be filled; be wealthy (in) or teem (with)

a land that abounds in grain, woods that abound with game

Word origin

ME abounden < OFr abonder < L abundare, to overflow < ab-, away + undare, to rise in waves < unda, a wave: see water

Word Frequency

about

(əbaʊt )

In addition to the uses shown below, about is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives to introduce extra information. About is also often used after verbs of movement, such as 'walk' and 'drive', and in phrasal verbs such as 'mess about' and 'set about', especially in British English.

1. preposition

You use about to introduce who or what something relates to or concerns.

She came in for a coffee, and told me about her friend Shona.

She knew a lot about food.

The neighbours complained about the noise.

...advice about exercise and diet.

Synonyms: regarding, on, re, concerning More Synonyms of about

2. preposition

When you mention the things that an activity or institution is about, you are saying what it involves or what its aims are.

Leadership is about the ability to implement change.

3. preposition

You use about after some adjectives to indicate the person or thing that a feeling or state of mind relates to.

'I'm sorry about Patrick,' she said.

I feel so guilty and angry about the whole issue.

4. preposition

If you do something about a problem, you take action in order to solve it.

Rachel was going to do something about Jacob.

Of course there may be some problems you can't do anything about.

5. preposition

When you say that there is a particular quality about someone or something, you mean that they have this quality.

There was a warmth and passion about him I never knew existed.

I think there's something a little peculiar about the results of your test.

6. adverb

About is used in front of a number to show that the number is not exact.

In my local health centre there's about forty parking spaces.

The rate of inflation is running at about 2.7 percent.

Synonyms: approximately, around, almost, nearing More Synonyms of about

7. adverb [ADVERB after verb]

If someone or something moves about, they keep moving in different directions.

Everyone was running about.

About is also a preposition.

He wandered about the town stopping to listen to bands.

His hair was drifting about his shoulders like dirty snow.

8. preposition

If you put something about a person or thing, you put it around them.

Helen threw her arms about him.

She was elegantly dressed with a double strand of pearls about her neck.

Synonyms: round, around More Synonyms of about

9. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone or something is about, they are present or available.

There's lots of money about these days for schemes like this.

Synonyms: around, present, active, stirring More Synonyms of about

10.

See be about to

11. how about

12. what about

13. just about

14.

See out and about

15.

See out and about

More Synonyms of about

English Easy Learning GrammarPrepositionsA preposition is one of a small but very common group of words that relate different items to each other. Most English prepositions have a number of meanings ... Read more

Video: pronunciation of
about

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be what something is all about

Word Frequency

about in British English

(əˈbaʊt )

preposition

1.

relating to; concerning; on the subject of

2.

near or close to (in space or time)

3.

carried on

I haven't any money about me

4.

on every side of; all the way around

5.

active in or engaged in

she is about her business

6. about to

adverb

7.

approximately; near in number, time, degree, etc

about 50 years old

8.

nearby

9.

here and there; from place to place; in no particular direction

walk about to keep warm

10.

all around; on every side

11.

in or to the opposite direction

he turned about and came back

12.

in rotation or revolution

turn and turn about

13.

used in informal phrases to indicate understatement

I've had just about enough of your insults

it's about time you stopped

14. archaic

in circumference; around

adjective

15. (predicative)

active; astir after sleep

up and about

16. (predicative)

in existence, current, or in circulation

there aren't many about nowadays

Word origin

Old English abūtan, onbūtan on the outside of, around, from on + būtan outside

Word Frequency

about in American English

(əˈbaʊt )

adverb

1.

on every side; all around

look about

2.

here and there; in all directions

travel about

3.

in circumference; around the outside

ten miles about

4.

near

standing somewhere about

5.

in the opposite direction; to a reversed position

turn it about

6.

in succession or rotation

play fair—turn and turn about

7.

nearly; approximately

about four years old

8. Informal

all but; almost

about ready

adjective

9.

astir; on the move

he is up and about again

10.

in the vicinity; prevalent

typhoid is about

11.

a.

ready; likely immediately

followed by an infinitive

I was about to speak

b.

willing or inclined

used with not and an infinitive

I'm not about to exercise regularly

preposition

12.

around; on all sides of

13.

here and there in; everywhere in

rambling about the town

14.

near to in time or space

born about 1960, keeping my keys about me

15.

concerned with; attending to

go about your business

16.

on the subject of; concerning

a book about ships

17.

in connection with; pertaining to

the most interesting thing about her

Idioms:

Word origin

ME aboute(n) < OE onbūtan, around < on, on + be, by + ūtan, outside < ūt, out: all senses develop from the sense of “around”

Word Frequency

about-face

Word forms: plural about-faces

countable noun

An about-face is a complete change of attitude or opinion.

Few observers believe the president will do an about-face and start spending more.

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Word Frequency

about-face in British English

noun

especially US another term for about-turn

Word Frequency

about-face in American English

(əˈbaʊtˌfeɪs ; əˈbaʊtˈfeɪs ; for v., əˌbaʊtˈfeɪs )

US

noun

1.

a sharp turn to the opposite direction, esp. in response to a military command

2.

a sharp change in attitude or opinion

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˌbout-ˈfaced or aˌbout-ˈfacing

3.

to turn or face in the opposite direction

Word Frequency

about-face

Word forms: plural about-faces

countable noun

An about-face is a complete change of attitude or opinion.

Few observers believe the president will do an about-face and start spending more.

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Word Frequency

about-face in British English

noun

especially US another term for about-turn

Word Frequency

about-face in American English

(əˈbaʊtˌfeɪs ; əˈbaʊtˈfeɪs ; for v., əˌbaʊtˈfeɪs )

US

noun

1.

a sharp turn to the opposite direction, esp. in response to a military command

2.

a sharp change in attitude or opinion

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˌbout-ˈfaced or aˌbout-ˈfacing

3.

to turn or face in the opposite direction

Word Frequency

about-face

Word forms: plural about-faces

countable noun

An about-face is a complete change of attitude or opinion.

Few observers believe the president will do an about-face and start spending more.

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Word Frequency

about-face in British English

noun

especially US another term for about-turn

Word Frequency

about-face in American English

(əˈbaʊtˌfeɪs ; əˈbaʊtˈfeɪs ; for v., əˌbaʊtˈfeɪs )

US

noun

1.

a sharp turn to the opposite direction, esp. in response to a military command

2.

a sharp change in attitude or opinion

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˌbout-ˈfaced or aˌbout-ˈfacing

3.

to turn or face in the opposite direction

Word Frequency

about-ship in British English

verbWord forms: -ships, -shipping or -shipped

(intransitive) nautical

to manoeuvre a vessel onto a new tack

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Word Frequency

about ship in American English

interjection

(as a command)

put the ship about

Word origin

[1865–70]This word is first recorded in the period 1865–70. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: black belt, figure skating, racism, tick-tack-toe, valence

Word Frequency

about-ship in American English

(əˌbautˈʃɪp)

intransitive verbWord forms: -shipped, -shipping

Nautical

to tack

Word origin

[1680–90]This word is first recorded in the period 1680–90. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: bull's-eye, commode, knockdown, skyrocket, timekeeper

about-turn

Word forms: plural about-turns

countable noun

An about-turn is the same as an about-face.

[British]

The decision was seen as an about-turn for the Government.

regional note: in AM, use about-face

Synonyms: change of direction, reverse, reversal, turnaround More Synonyms of about turn

More Synonyms of about turn

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about turn in British English

or US about face

exclamation

1.

a military command to a formation of soldiers to reverse the direction in which they are facing

noun about-turn or US about-face

2.

a complete change or reversal, as of opinion, attitude, direction, etc

verb about-turn or US about-face

3. (intransitive)

to perform an about-turn

about-turn in British English

or US about-face

verb (intransitive)

to perform an about-turn

When the men saw the police parked nearby, they just about-turned and drove away.

Word Frequency

above

(əbʌv )

1. preposition

If one thing is above another one, it is directly over it or higher than it.

He lifted his hands above his head.

Apartment 46 was a quiet apartment, unlike the one above it.

He was staring into the mirror above him.

Synonyms: over, upon, beyond, on top of More Synonyms of above

Above is also an adverb.

A long scream sounded from somewhere above.

...a picture of the new plane as seen from above.

There are five bedrooms, a large attic above, and wine cellars below.

2. adverb [ADVERB after verb, noun ADVERB]

In writing, you use above to refer to something that has already been mentioned or discussed.

Several conclusions could be drawn from the results described above.

Full details are in the table above.

Above is also a noun.

For additional information, contact any of the above.

Synonyms: earlier mentioned, previously mentioned, formerly mentioned, foregoing More Synonyms of above

Above is also an adjective.

For a copy of their brochure, write to the above address.

Synonyms: preceding, earlier, previous, prior More Synonyms of above

3. preposition

If an amount or measurement is above a particular level, it is greater than that level.

The temperature crept up to just above 40 degrees.

Victoria Falls has had above average levels of rainfall this year.

These plants must be stored in the light at above freezing temperature.

Government spending is planned to rise 3 per cent above inflation.

Synonyms: more than, over, exceeding, higher than More Synonyms of above

Above is also an adverb.

Banks have been charging 25 percent and above for unsecured loans.

4. preposition

If you hear one sound above another, it is louder or clearer than the second one.

...trying to talk above the noise.

Then there was a woman's voice, rising shrilly above the barking.

5. preposition

If someone is above you, they are in a higher social position than you or in a position of authority over you.

I know you're above me socially, but I must say I find your attitude offensive.

I married above myself–rich county people.

Look at the people above you in the positions of power.

Synonyms: senior to, over, ahead of, in charge of More Synonyms of above

Above is also an adverb.

The police officers admitted beating the student, but said they were acting on orders from above.

6.

See get above oneself

7. preposition

If you say that someone thinks they are above something, you mean that they act as if they are too good or important for it.

[disapproval]

This was clearly a failure by someone who thought he was above failure.

I'm not above doing my own cleaning.

8. preposition

If someone is above criticism or suspicion, they cannot be criticized or suspected because of their good qualities or their position.

Science should not be above criticism.

He was a respected academic and above suspicion.

Synonyms: exempt from, superior to, beyond, immune to More Synonyms of above

9. preposition

If you value one person or thing above any other, you value them more or consider that they are more important.

...his tendency to put the team above everything.

I want to be honest, honest above everything else.

Synonyms: before, more than, rather than, beyond More Synonyms of above

10. over and above

11. above the law

12. above board

More Synonyms of above

English Easy Learning GrammarPrepositionsA preposition is one of a small but very common group of words that relate different items to each other. Most English prepositions have a number of meanings ... Read more

Video: pronunciation of
above

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Word Frequency

above in British English

(əˈbʌv )

preposition

1.

on top of or higher than; over

the sky above the earth

2.

greater than in quantity or degree

above average in weight

3.

superior to or prior to

to place honour above wealth

4.

too honourable or high-minded for

above petty gossiping

5.

too respected for; beyond

above suspicion

above reproach

6.

too difficult to be understood by

the talk was above me

7.

louder or higher than (other noise)

I heard her call above the radio

8.

in preference to

I love you above all others

9.

north of

which town lies just above Canberra?

10.

upstream from

11. above all

12. above and beyond

13. above oneself

adverb

14.

in or to a higher place

the sky above

15.

a.

in a previous place (in something written)

b.

(in combination)

the above-mentioned clause

16.

higher in rank or position

17.

in or concerned with heaven

seek the things that are above

noun

18. the above

adjective

19.

mentioned or appearing in a previous place (in something written)

Word origin

Old English abufan, from a- on + bufan above

Word Frequency

above in American English

(əˈbʌv )

adverb

1.

in, at, or to a higher place; overhead; up

2.

in or to heaven

3.

at a previous place (in a piece of writing)

often used in hyphenated compounds

above-mentioned

4.

higher in power, status, etc.

preposition

5.

higher than; over; on top of

6.

beyond; past

the road above the village

7.

at a point upstream of

8.

superior to; better than

above the average

9.

a.

too honorable to engage in

she was not above cheating

b.

too proud, important, etc. to engage in

he was above helping with the dishes

10.

in excess of; more than

above fifty dollars

adjective

11.

placed, found, mentioned, etc. above or earlier

as stated in the above rules

noun

12.

something or someone listed or mentioned above

Idioms:

above all

Word origin

ME above(n) < OE abūfan, onbūfan, overhead, above < on-, intens. + bufan < be, by + ufan, over, on high

Word Frequency

above board

phrase

An arrangement or deal that is above board is legal and is being carried out honestly and openly.

All I knew about were Antony's own financial dealings, which were always above board.

See full dictionary entry for board

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Word Frequency

above board in British English

adjective, adverb (aboveboard when prenominal)

in the open; without dishonesty, concealment, or fraud

Word Frequency

above board

honest and legal

Anyone who wants to inspect our books can see for themselves that we are totally above board.

aboveboard

(əbʌvbɔrd ) also above board also above-board

adjective [v-link ADJ]

An arrangement or deal that is aboveboard is legal and is being carried out openly and honestly. A person who is aboveboard is open and honest about what they are doing.

His business dealings were aboveboard.

If there was one thing she prided herself on, it was being open and aboveboard.

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aboveboard in British English

adjective

in a straightforward manner

aboveboard in American English

(əˈbʌvˌbɔrd ; əˈbʌvˈbɔrd )

adverb, adjective

without dishonesty or concealment

be open and aboveboard with me

Word origin

above + board (table): orig. a card player's term for cards in plain view

aboveground in American English

(əˈbʌvˌgraʊnd ; əˈbʌvˈgraʊnd )

adjective

1.

occurring, situated, etc. above or on the surface of the earth

2.

not secret or hidden; free, open, etc.

adverb

3.

above or on the surface of the earth

4.

not secretly; openly, etc.

Also aˈbove-ˌground

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aboveground in American English

(əˈbʌvˌɡraund)

adjective

1.

situated on or above the ground

2.

not secret or hidden; in the open

the aboveground activities of the country's left-wing faction

Word origin

[1875–80; above + ground1]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: authoritarian, graph, musical chairs, neoclassic, weekend

Word Frequency

Abp in British English

or abp

abbreviation for

archbishop

archbishop in British English

(ˈɑːtʃˈbɪʃəp )

noun

a bishop of the highest rank

Abbreviation: abp, Abp, Arch, Archbp

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Word Frequency

Abp in American English

Archbishop

Word Frequency

Abp in British English

or abp

abbreviation for

archbishop

archbishop in British English

(ˈɑːtʃˈbɪʃəp )

noun

a bishop of the highest rank

Abbreviation: abp, Abp, Arch, Archbp

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Word Frequency

Abp in American English

Archbishop

Word Frequency

abracadabra

(æbrəkədæbrə )

exclamation

Abracadabra is a word that someone says when they are performing a magic trick in order to make the magic happen.

More Synonyms of abracadabra

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Word Frequency

abracadabra in British English

(ˌæbrəkəˈdæbrə )

exclamation

1.

a spoken formula, used esp by conjurors

noun

2.

a word used in incantations, etc, considered to possess magic powers

3.

gibberish; nonsense

Word origin

C17: from Latin: magical word used in certain Gnostic writings, perhaps related to Greek Abraxas; see abraxas

Word Frequency

abracadabra in American English

(ˌæbrəkəˈdæbrə )

noun

1.

a word supposed to have magic powers, and hence used in incantations, on amulets, etc.

2.

a magic spell or formula

3.

foolish or meaningless talk; gibberish

interjection

4.

used, as by a magician, to signify, or seemingly command, a sudden change or occurrence

Word origin

LL, prob. of Balkan orig., but assumed to be < LGr Abraxas, cabalistic name of the almighty God

Word Frequency

abradant in American English

(əˈbreɪdənt )

US

adjective

1.

abrading

noun

2.

an abrasive

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Word Frequency

abradant in American English

(əˈbreidnt)

adjective

1.

having an abrasive property, effect, or quality; abrading

noun

2.

an abrasive

Word origin

[1875–80; abrade + -ant]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: cross-fertilization, musical chairs, neoclassic, pressure point, slime mold-ant is a suffix forming adjectives and nouns from verbs, occurring originally in French and Latin loanwords (pleasant; constant; servant) and productive in English on this model; -ant has the general sense “characterized by or serving in the capacity of” that named by the stem (ascendant; pretendant), esp. in the formation of nouns denoting human agents in legal actions or other formal procedures (tenant; defendant; applicant; contestant). In technical and commercial coinages, -ant is a suffix of nouns denoting impersonal physical agents (propellant; lubricant; deodorant). In general, -ant can be added only to bases of Latin origin, with a very few exceptions, as coolant

Word Frequency

abradant in American English

(əˈbreɪdənt )

US

adjective

1.

abrading

noun

2.

an abrasive

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Word Frequency

abradant in American English

(əˈbreidnt)

adjective

1.

having an abrasive property, effect, or quality; abrading

noun

2.

an abrasive

Word origin

[1875–80; abrade + -ant]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: cross-fertilization, musical chairs, neoclassic, pressure point, slime mold-ant is a suffix forming adjectives and nouns from verbs, occurring originally in French and Latin loanwords (pleasant; constant; servant) and productive in English on this model; -ant has the general sense “characterized by or serving in the capacity of” that named by the stem (ascendant; pretendant), esp. in the formation of nouns denoting human agents in legal actions or other formal procedures (tenant; defendant; applicant; contestant). In technical and commercial coinages, -ant is a suffix of nouns denoting impersonal physical agents (propellant; lubricant; deodorant). In general, -ant can be added only to bases of Latin origin, with a very few exceptions, as coolant

Word Frequency

abrade

(əbreɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrades , present participle abrading , past tense, past participle abraded

verb

To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it.

[formal]

My skin was abraded and very tender. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: scrape, grind, skin, file More Synonyms of abrade

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Word Frequency

abrade in British English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb

(transitive)

to scrape away or wear down by friction; erode

Derived forms

abradant (aˈbradant)

noun

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abrādere to scrape away, from ab-1 + rādere to scrape

Word Frequency

abrade in American English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbraded or aˈbrading

to scrape or rub off; wear away by scraping or rubbing

Derived forms

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

L abradere < ab-, away + radere, to scrape: see rat

Word Frequency

abrade

(əbreɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrades , present participle abrading , past tense, past participle abraded

verb

To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it.

[formal]

My skin was abraded and very tender. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: scrape, grind, skin, file More Synonyms of abrade

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Word Frequency

abrade in British English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb

(transitive)

to scrape away or wear down by friction; erode

Derived forms

abradant (aˈbradant)

noun

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abrādere to scrape away, from ab-1 + rādere to scrape

Word Frequency

abrade in American English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbraded or aˈbrading

to scrape or rub off; wear away by scraping or rubbing

Derived forms

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

L abradere < ab-, away + radere, to scrape: see rat

Word Frequency

abrade

(əbreɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrades , present participle abrading , past tense, past participle abraded

verb

To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it.

[formal]

My skin was abraded and very tender. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: scrape, grind, skin, file More Synonyms of abrade

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Word Frequency

abrade in British English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb

(transitive)

to scrape away or wear down by friction; erode

Derived forms

abradant (aˈbradant)

noun

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abrādere to scrape away, from ab-1 + rādere to scrape

Word Frequency

abrade in American English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbraded or aˈbrading

to scrape or rub off; wear away by scraping or rubbing

Derived forms

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

L abradere < ab-, away + radere, to scrape: see rat

Word Frequency

abrade

(əbreɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrades , present participle abrading , past tense, past participle abraded

verb

To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it.

[formal]

My skin was abraded and very tender. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: scrape, grind, skin, file More Synonyms of abrade

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Word Frequency

abrade in British English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb

(transitive)

to scrape away or wear down by friction; erode

Derived forms

abradant (aˈbradant)

noun

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abrādere to scrape away, from ab-1 + rādere to scrape

Word Frequency

abrade in American English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbraded or aˈbrading

to scrape or rub off; wear away by scraping or rubbing

Derived forms

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

L abradere < ab-, away + radere, to scrape: see rat

Word Frequency

abrade

(əbreɪd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrades , present participle abrading , past tense, past participle abraded

verb

To abrade something means to scrape or wear down its surface by rubbing it.

[formal]

My skin was abraded and very tender. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: scrape, grind, skin, file More Synonyms of abrade

You may also like

Word Frequency

abrade in British English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb

(transitive)

to scrape away or wear down by friction; erode

Derived forms

abradant (aˈbradant)

noun

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abrādere to scrape away, from ab-1 + rādere to scrape

Word Frequency

abrade in American English

(əˈbreɪd )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbraded or aˈbrading

to scrape or rub off; wear away by scraping or rubbing

Derived forms

abrader (aˈbrader)

noun

Word origin

L abradere < ab-, away + radere, to scrape: see rat

Word Frequency

Abraham in British English

(ˈeɪbrəˌhæm , -həm)

noun

1. Old Testament

the first of the patriarchs, the father of Isaac and the founder of the Hebrew people ( Genesis 11–25)

2. Abraham's bosom

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Word Frequency

Abraham in American English 1

(ˈeɪbrəˌhæm )

noun

1.

a masculine name: dim. Abe

2. Bible

the first patriarch and ancestor of the Hebrews: Gen. 12-25

Idioms:

in Abraham's bosom

Word origin

Heb avraham, lit., father of many: the original form, avram, means “father is exalted”: see Gen. 17:5

Word Frequency

Abraham in American English 2

(ˈeɪbrəˌhæm )

Plains of plateau in the city of Quebec, on the St. Lawrence: site of a battle (1759) in which the British under Wolfe defeated the French under Montcalm, leading to British control of Canada

Word Frequency

Abraham in British English

(ˈeɪbrəˌhæm , -həm)

noun

1. Old Testament

the first of the patriarchs, the father of Isaac and the founder of the Hebrew people ( Genesis 11–25)

2. Abraham's bosom

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Word Frequency

Abraham in American English 1

(ˈeɪbrəˌhæm )

noun

1.

a masculine name: dim. Abe

2. Bible

the first patriarch and ancestor of the Hebrews: Gen. 12-25

Idioms:

in Abraham's bosom

Word origin

Heb avraham, lit., father of many: the original form, avram, means “father is exalted”: see Gen. 17:5

Word Frequency

Abraham in American English 2

(ˈeɪbrəˌhæm )

Plains of plateau in the city of Quebec, on the St. Lawrence: site of a battle (1759) in which the British under Wolfe defeated the French under Montcalm, leading to British control of Canada

Word Frequency

abram in British English

(ˈæbrəm)

adjective

obsolete

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Word Frequency

Abram in American English

(ˈeɪbrəm )

noun

var. of

Abraham1

Word Frequency

abranchiate in British English

(əˈbræŋkɪɪt , -ˌeɪt) or abranchial (əˈbræŋkɪəl)

adjective

zoology

having no gills

Word origin

C19: a-1 + branchiate

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Word Frequency

abranchiate in American English

(eɪˈbræŋkiɪt ; eɪˈbræŋkiˌeɪt )

adjective

1.

without gills

noun

2.

an animal without gills

Also aˈbranchial (eɪˈbræŋkiəl )

Word origin

< Gr a-, not + branchia, gills + -ate1

Word Frequency

abranchiate in British English

(əˈbræŋkɪɪt , -ˌeɪt) or abranchial (əˈbræŋkɪəl)

adjective

zoology

having no gills

Word origin

C19: a-1 + branchiate

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Word Frequency

abranchiate in American English

(eɪˈbræŋkiɪt ; eɪˈbræŋkiˌeɪt )

adjective

1.

without gills

noun

2.

an animal without gills

Also aˈbranchial (eɪˈbræŋkiəl )

Word origin

< Gr a-, not + branchia, gills + -ate1

Word Frequency

abraxas in British English

(əˈbræksəs ) or abrasax (əˈbræsəks )

noun

an ancient charm composed of Greek letters: originally believed to have magical powers and inscribed on amulets, etc, but from the second century ad personified by Gnostics as a deity, the source of divine emanations

Word origin

from Greek: invented word

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Word Frequency

abraxas in American English

(əˈbræksəs)

noun

a word of unknown significance found on charms, esp. amulets, of the late Greco-Roman world and linked with both Gnostic beliefs and magical practices by the early church fathers

Word origin

[‹ Gk abráxas, abrasáx, of obscure orig.; the combined numerical value of the Gk letters is 365, an important figure in numerology]

Word Frequency

abrasion

(əbreɪʒən )

Word forms: plural abrasions

countable noun

An abrasion is an area on a person's body where the skin has been scraped.

[formal]

He had severe abrasions to his right cheek. [+ to]

Synonyms: graze, scratch, trauma [pathology], scrape More Synonyms of abrasion

More Synonyms of abrasion

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Word Frequency

abrasion in British English

(əˈbreɪʒən )

noun

1.

the process of scraping or wearing down by friction

2.

a scraped area or spot; graze

3. geography

the effect of mechanical erosion of rock, esp a river bed, by rock fragments scratching and scraping it; wearing down

Compare attrition (sense 4), corrasion

Word origin

C17: from Medieval Latin abrāsiōn-, from the past participle of Latin abrādere to abrade

Word Frequency

abrasion in American English

(əˈbreɪʒən )

noun

1.

a scraping or rubbing off, as of skin

2.

a wearing away by rubbing or scraping, as of rock by wind, water, etc.

3.

an abraded spot or area

Word origin

LL abrasio < L abradere, abrade

Word Frequency

abrasion

(əbreɪʒən )

Word forms: plural abrasions

countable noun

An abrasion is an area on a person's body where the skin has been scraped.

[formal]

He had severe abrasions to his right cheek. [+ to]

Synonyms: graze, scratch, trauma [pathology], scrape More Synonyms of abrasion

More Synonyms of abrasion

You may also like

Word Frequency

abrasion in British English

(əˈbreɪʒən )

noun

1.

the process of scraping or wearing down by friction

2.

a scraped area or spot; graze

3. geography

the effect of mechanical erosion of rock, esp a river bed, by rock fragments scratching and scraping it; wearing down

Compare attrition (sense 4), corrasion

Word origin

C17: from Medieval Latin abrāsiōn-, from the past participle of Latin abrādere to abrade

Word Frequency

abrasion in American English

(əˈbreɪʒən )

noun

1.

a scraping or rubbing off, as of skin

2.

a wearing away by rubbing or scraping, as of rock by wind, water, etc.

3.

an abraded spot or area

Word origin

LL abrasio < L abradere, abrade

Word Frequency

abrasive

(əbreɪsɪv )

Word forms: plural abrasives

1. adjective

Someone who has an abrasive manner is unkind and rude.

His abrasive manner has won him an unenviable notoriety.

Pamela was unrepentant about her strong language and abrasive remarks.

Synonyms: harsh, cutting, biting, tough More Synonyms of abrasive

2. adjective

An abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces.

...a new all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner.

Synonyms: rough, scratching, scraping, grating More Synonyms of abrasive

3. mass noun

An abrasive is a substance that is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces.

Avoid abrasives, which can damage the tiles.

Synonyms: scourer, grinder, burnisher, scarifier More Synonyms of abrasive

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Word Frequency

abrasive in British English

(əˈbreɪsɪv )

noun

1.

a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing

adjective

2.

causing abrasion; grating; rough

3.

irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance

Derived forms

abrasiveness (aˈbrasiveness)

noun

Word Frequency

abrasive in American English

(əˈbreɪsɪv ; əˈbreɪzɪv )

adjective

1.

causing abrasion

2.

tending to provoke anger, ill will, etc.; aggressively annoying; irritating

noun

3.

something that is used for grinding, polishing, etc., as sandpaper or emery

Word origin

< L abrasus, pp. of abradere, abrade + -ive

Word Frequency

abrasive

(əbreɪsɪv )

Word forms: plural abrasives

1. adjective

Someone who has an abrasive manner is unkind and rude.

His abrasive manner has won him an unenviable notoriety.

Pamela was unrepentant about her strong language and abrasive remarks.

Synonyms: harsh, cutting, biting, tough More Synonyms of abrasive

2. adjective

An abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces.

...a new all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner.

Synonyms: rough, scratching, scraping, grating More Synonyms of abrasive

3. mass noun

An abrasive is a substance that is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces.

Avoid abrasives, which can damage the tiles.

Synonyms: scourer, grinder, burnisher, scarifier More Synonyms of abrasive

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Word Frequency

abrasive in British English

(əˈbreɪsɪv )

noun

1.

a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing

adjective

2.

causing abrasion; grating; rough

3.

irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance

Derived forms

abrasiveness (aˈbrasiveness)

noun

Word Frequency

abrasive in American English

(əˈbreɪsɪv ; əˈbreɪzɪv )

adjective

1.

causing abrasion

2.

tending to provoke anger, ill will, etc.; aggressively annoying; irritating

noun

3.

something that is used for grinding, polishing, etc., as sandpaper or emery

Word origin

< L abrasus, pp. of abradere, abrade + -ive

Word Frequency

abrasive

(əbreɪsɪv )

Word forms: plural abrasives

1. adjective

Someone who has an abrasive manner is unkind and rude.

His abrasive manner has won him an unenviable notoriety.

Pamela was unrepentant about her strong language and abrasive remarks.

Synonyms: harsh, cutting, biting, tough More Synonyms of abrasive

2. adjective

An abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces.

...a new all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner.

Synonyms: rough, scratching, scraping, grating More Synonyms of abrasive

3. mass noun

An abrasive is a substance that is rough and can be used to clean hard surfaces.

Avoid abrasives, which can damage the tiles.

Synonyms: scourer, grinder, burnisher, scarifier More Synonyms of abrasive

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Word Frequency

abrasive in British English

(əˈbreɪsɪv )

noun

1.

a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing

adjective

2.

causing abrasion; grating; rough

3.

irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance

Derived forms

abrasiveness (aˈbrasiveness)

noun

Word Frequency

abrasive in American English

(əˈbreɪsɪv ; əˈbreɪzɪv )

adjective

1.

causing abrasion

2.

tending to provoke anger, ill will, etc.; aggressively annoying; irritating

noun

3.

something that is used for grinding, polishing, etc., as sandpaper or emery

Word origin

< L abrasus, pp. of abradere, abrade + -ive

Word Frequency

abraxas in British English

(əˈbræksəs ) or abrasax (əˈbræsəks )

noun

an ancient charm composed of Greek letters: originally believed to have magical powers and inscribed on amulets, etc, but from the second century ad personified by Gnostics as a deity, the source of divine emanations

Word origin

from Greek: invented word

You may also like

Word Frequency

abraxas in American English

(əˈbræksəs)

noun

a word of unknown significance found on charms, esp. amulets, of the late Greco-Roman world and linked with both Gnostic beliefs and magical practices by the early church fathers

Word origin

[‹ Gk abráxas, abrasáx, of obscure orig.; the combined numerical value of the Gk letters is 365, an important figure in numerology]

Word Frequency

abrazo in British English

(əˈbrɑːzəʊ)

nounWord forms: plural abrazos

an embrace used as a greeting or on parting in Spain and Latin America

The first time I met him he embraced me with a tender abrazo.

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Word Frequency

abrazo in American English

(ɑˈbʀɑθoʊ; ɑˈbʀɑsoʊ)

Spanish

nounWord forms: plural Spanish aˈbrazos (ɑˈbʀɑθoʊs; ɑbʀɑsoʊs)

an embrace or hug, esp. in greeting a person

Word origin

Sp

Word Frequency

abrazo in British English

(əˈbrɑːzəʊ)

nounWord forms: plural abrazos

an embrace used as a greeting or on parting in Spain and Latin America

The first time I met him he embraced me with a tender abrazo.

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Word Frequency

abrazo in American English

(ɑˈbʀɑθoʊ; ɑˈbʀɑsoʊ)

Spanish

nounWord forms: plural Spanish aˈbrazos (ɑˈbʀɑθoʊs; ɑbʀɑsoʊs)

an embrace or hug, esp. in greeting a person

Word origin

Sp

Word Frequency

abreact in British English

(ˌæbrɪˈækt )

verb

(transitive)

to alleviate ( emotional tension) through abreaction

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Word Frequency

abreact in American English

(ˌæbriˈækt)

transitive verb

Psychoanalysis

to remove by abreaction

Word origin

[1910–15; ab- + react, on the model of G abreagieren]This word is first recorded in the period 1910–15. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: blackout, carbon cycle, functionalism, isotope, zingab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abreact in British English

(ˌæbrɪˈækt )

verb

(transitive)

to alleviate ( emotional tension) through abreaction

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Word Frequency

abreact in American English

(ˌæbriˈækt)

transitive verb

Psychoanalysis

to remove by abreaction

Word origin

[1910–15; ab- + react, on the model of G abreagieren]This word is first recorded in the period 1910–15. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: blackout, carbon cycle, functionalism, isotope, zingab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abreact in British English

(ˌæbrɪˈækt )

verb

(transitive)

to alleviate ( emotional tension) through abreaction

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Word Frequency

abreact in American English

(ˌæbriˈækt)

transitive verb

Psychoanalysis

to remove by abreaction

Word origin

[1910–15; ab- + react, on the model of G abreagieren]This word is first recorded in the period 1910–15. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: blackout, carbon cycle, functionalism, isotope, zingab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abreaction in British English

(ˌæbrɪˈækʃən )

noun

psychoanalysis

the release and expression of emotional tension associated with repressed ideas by bringing those ideas into consciousness

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Word Frequency

abreaction in American English

(ˌæbriˈækʃən )

noun Psychoanalysis

the release of emotions as the result of recalling or reliving a traumatic, repressed experience with which they are associated

abreaction in British English

(ˌæbrɪˈækʃən )

noun

psychoanalysis

the release and expression of emotional tension associated with repressed ideas by bringing those ideas into consciousness

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Word Frequency

abreaction in American English

(ˌæbriˈækʃən )

noun Psychoanalysis

the release of emotions as the result of recalling or reliving a traumatic, repressed experience with which they are associated

abreact in British English

(ˌæbrɪˈækt )

verb

(transitive)

to alleviate ( emotional tension) through abreaction

You may also like

Word Frequency

abreact in American English

(ˌæbriˈækt)

transitive verb

Psychoanalysis

to remove by abreaction

Word origin

[1910–15; ab- + react, on the model of G abreagieren]This word is first recorded in the period 1910–15. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: blackout, carbon cycle, functionalism, isotope, zingab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abreast

(əbrest )

1. adverb [ADVERB after verb]

If people or things walk or move abreast, they are next to each other, side by side, and facing in the same direction.

The steep pavement was too narrow for them to walk abreast.

...a group of youths riding their motorbikes four abreast.

Synonyms: alongside, level, beside, in a row More Synonyms of abreast

2.

See abreast of

3.

See abreast of

Video: pronunciation of
abreast

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Word Frequency

abreast in British English

(əˈbrɛst )

adjective (postpositive)

1.

alongside each other and facing in the same direction

2. (foll by of or with)

up to date (with); fully conversant (with)

Word Frequency

abreast in American English

(əˈbrɛst )

adverb, adjective

1.

side by side, as in going or facing forward

often with of or with

2.

informed (of) or conversant (with) recent developments

Word origin

a-1 + breast

Word Frequency

abri in British English

(æˈbriː )

noun

a shelter or place of refuge, esp in wartime

Word origin

French, from Latin apricum an open place

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Word Frequency

abri in American English

(əˈbri, French aˈbʀi)

nounWord forms: plural abris (əˈbriz, French aˈbʀi)

1.

a shelter, esp. a dugout

2. Archaeology

a rock shelter formed by the overhang of a cliff and often containing prehistoric occupation deposits

Word origin

[‹ F, OF, n. deriv. of abrier (now obs. or dial.) to shelter, shield, screen ‹ LL aprīcāre to warm in the sun (hence, to shield from wind, cold, etc.), v. deriv. of L aprīcus sunny, warmed by the sunshine; OF b for v perh. ‹ OPr abriar, or by construal of a- as prefix]

Word Frequency

abridge in British English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb (transitive)

1.

to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting

2.

to curtail; diminish

3. archaic

to deprive of ( privileges, rights, etc)

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable) or abridgeable (aˈbridgeable)

adjective

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten

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Word Frequency

abridge in American English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbridged or aˈbridging

1.

to reduce in scope, extent, etc.; shorten

2.

to shorten (a piece of writing) while preserving its substance; condense

3.

to lessen or curtail (rights, authority, etc.)

4. Rare

to deprive (a person) of rights, privileges, etc.

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable)

adjective or aˈbridgeable

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

ME abregen < OFr abregier < LL abbreviare, abbreviate

Word Frequency

abridge in British English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb (transitive)

1.

to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting

2.

to curtail; diminish

3. archaic

to deprive of ( privileges, rights, etc)

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable) or abridgeable (aˈbridgeable)

adjective

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten

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Word Frequency

abridge in American English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbridged or aˈbridging

1.

to reduce in scope, extent, etc.; shorten

2.

to shorten (a piece of writing) while preserving its substance; condense

3.

to lessen or curtail (rights, authority, etc.)

4. Rare

to deprive (a person) of rights, privileges, etc.

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable)

adjective or aˈbridgeable

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

ME abregen < OFr abregier < LL abbreviare, abbreviate

Word Frequency

abridge in British English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb (transitive)

1.

to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting

2.

to curtail; diminish

3. archaic

to deprive of ( privileges, rights, etc)

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable) or abridgeable (aˈbridgeable)

adjective

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten

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Word Frequency

abridge in American English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbridged or aˈbridging

1.

to reduce in scope, extent, etc.; shorten

2.

to shorten (a piece of writing) while preserving its substance; condense

3.

to lessen or curtail (rights, authority, etc.)

4. Rare

to deprive (a person) of rights, privileges, etc.

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable)

adjective or aˈbridgeable

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

ME abregen < OFr abregier < LL abbreviare, abbreviate

Word Frequency

abridged

(əbrɪdʒd )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

An abridged book or play has been made shorter by removing some parts of it.

This is an abridged version of her new novel.

Synonyms: shortened, shorter, reduced, brief More Synonyms of abridged

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Word Frequency

abridged in British English

(əˈbrɪdʒd)

adjective

shortened; condensed

This is an abridged version of her new novel 'The Queen and I'.

Word Frequency

abridge in British English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb (transitive)

1.

to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting

2.

to curtail; diminish

3. archaic

to deprive of ( privileges, rights, etc)

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable) or abridgeable (aˈbridgeable)

adjective

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten

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Word Frequency

abridge in American English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbridged or aˈbridging

1.

to reduce in scope, extent, etc.; shorten

2.

to shorten (a piece of writing) while preserving its substance; condense

3.

to lessen or curtail (rights, authority, etc.)

4. Rare

to deprive (a person) of rights, privileges, etc.

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable)

adjective or aˈbridgeable

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

ME abregen < OFr abregier < LL abbreviare, abbreviate

Word Frequency

abridge in British English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb (transitive)

1.

to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting

2.

to curtail; diminish

3. archaic

to deprive of ( privileges, rights, etc)

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable) or abridgeable (aˈbridgeable)

adjective

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten

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Word Frequency

abridge in American English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbridged or aˈbridging

1.

to reduce in scope, extent, etc.; shorten

2.

to shorten (a piece of writing) while preserving its substance; condense

3.

to lessen or curtail (rights, authority, etc.)

4. Rare

to deprive (a person) of rights, privileges, etc.

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable)

adjective or aˈbridgeable

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

ME abregen < OFr abregier < LL abbreviare, abbreviate

Word Frequency

abridge in British English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb (transitive)

1.

to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting

2.

to curtail; diminish

3. archaic

to deprive of ( privileges, rights, etc)

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable) or abridgeable (aˈbridgeable)

adjective

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten

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Word Frequency

abridge in American English

(əˈbrɪdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbridged or aˈbridging

1.

to reduce in scope, extent, etc.; shorten

2.

to shorten (a piece of writing) while preserving its substance; condense

3.

to lessen or curtail (rights, authority, etc.)

4. Rare

to deprive (a person) of rights, privileges, etc.

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈshorten

Derived forms

abridgable (aˈbridgable)

adjective or aˈbridgeable

abridger (aˈbridger)

noun

Word origin

ME abregen < OFr abregier < LL abbreviare, abbreviate

Word Frequency

abridgment in British English

or abridgement (əˈbrɪdʒmənt )

noun

1.

a shortened version of a written work

2.

the act of abridging or state of being abridged

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Word Frequency

abridgment in American English

(əˈbrɪdʒmənt ) or aˈbridgement (əˈbrɪdʒmənt )

noun

1.

an abridging or being abridged

2.

a curtailment, as of rights

3.

an abridged form, as of a book

SYNONYMY NOTE: abridgment describes a work condensed from a larger work by omitting the less important parts, but keeping the main contents more or less unaltered; an , abstract is a short statement of the basic contents of a book, court record, etc. often used as an index to the original material; , brief, summary both imply a statement of the main points of the matter under consideration [the brief of a legal argument], summary, especially, connoting a recapitulating statement; a synopsis is a condensed, orderly treatment, as of the plot of a novel, that permits a quick general view of the whole; a , digest is a concise, systematic treatment, generally more comprehensive in scope than a synopsis, and, in the case of technical material, often arranged under titles for quick reference; an , epitome is a statement of the essence of a subject in the shortest possible form

OPPOSITE: expansion

Word origin

ME abregement < OFr < abregier: see abridge

Word Frequency

abri in British English

(æˈbriː )

noun

a shelter or place of refuge, esp in wartime

Word origin

French, from Latin apricum an open place

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Word Frequency

abri in American English

(əˈbri, French aˈbʀi)

nounWord forms: plural abris (əˈbriz, French aˈbʀi)

1.

a shelter, esp. a dugout

2. Archaeology

a rock shelter formed by the overhang of a cliff and often containing prehistoric occupation deposits

Word origin

[‹ F, OF, n. deriv. of abrier (now obs. or dial.) to shelter, shield, screen ‹ LL aprīcāre to warm in the sun (hence, to shield from wind, cold, etc.), v. deriv. of L aprīcus sunny, warmed by the sunshine; OF b for v perh. ‹ OPr abriar, or by construal of a- as prefix]

Word Frequency

abroach in British English

(əˈbrəʊtʃ )

adjective

(postpositive)

(of a cask, barrel, etc) tapped; broached

Word origin

C14: from Old French abrochier from a- to + brochier to broach1

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Word Frequency

abroach in American English

(əˈbroʊtʃ )

adverb, adjective

1.

opened so that the liquid contents can come out; broached

2.

in motion; astir

Word origin

ME abroche < a-, on + broche, skewer, spit: see broach

Word Frequency

abroad

(əbrɔːd )

1. adverb [ADVERB after verb, noun ADVERB, be ADVERB, from ADVERB]

If you go abroad, you go to a foreign country, usually one which is separated from the country where you live by an ocean or a sea.

I would love to go abroad this year, perhaps to the South of France.

...public opposition here and abroad.

He will stand in for Mr Goh when he is abroad.

About 65 per cent of its sales come from abroad.

Synonyms: overseas, out of the country, beyond the sea, in foreign lands More Synonyms of abroad

2. adverb [noun ADVERB]

If there is a story or feeling abroad, people generally know about it or feel it.

There'll still be a feeling abroad that this change has to be recognised.

Synonyms: about, out, away, without More Synonyms of abroad

More Synonyms of abroad

Video: pronunciation of
abroad

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Word Frequency

abroad in British English

(əˈbrɔːd )

adverb

1.

to or in a foreign country or countries

adjective (postpositive)

2.

(of news, rumours, etc) in general circulation; current

3.

out in the open

4.

over a wide area

5. archaic

in error

Word origin

C13: from a-2 + broad

Word Frequency

abroad in American English

(əˈbrɔd )

adverb

1.

broadly; far and wide

2.

in circulation; current

a report is abroad that he has won

3.

outside one's house; outdoors

to stroll abroad

4.

a.

outside one's own country; to or in foreign countries

b. US

to or in Europe

5.

wide of the mark; in error

Idioms:

from abroad

Word origin

ME abrode < on brod: see on & broad

Word Frequency

abrogate

(æbrəgeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrogates , present participle abrogating , past tense, past participle abrogated

verb

If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law, agreement, or practice, they put an end to it.

[formal]

The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: revoke, end, recall, withdraw More Synonyms of abrogate

abrogation (æbrəgeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [NOUN of noun]

...a dereliction of duty and an abrogation of responsibility.

Synonyms: revocation, ending, withdrawal, scrapping [informal] More Synonyms of abrogate

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Word Frequency

abrogate in British English

(ˈæbrəʊˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul

Derived forms

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation)

noun

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abrogātus repealed, from ab-1 + rogāre to propose (a law)

Word Frequency

abrogate in American English

(ˈæbrəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabroˌgated or ˈabroˌgating

to cancel or repeal by authority; annul

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbolish

Derived forms

abrogable (ˈabrogable) (ˈæbrəgəbəl )

adjective

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation) (ˈæbrəˈgeɪʃən )

noun

abrogative (ˈabroˌgative)

adjective

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abrogatus, pp. of abrogare, to repeal < ab-, away + rogare, to ask: see rogation

Word Frequency

abrogate

(æbrəgeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrogates , present participle abrogating , past tense, past participle abrogated

verb

If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law, agreement, or practice, they put an end to it.

[formal]

The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: revoke, end, recall, withdraw More Synonyms of abrogate

abrogation (æbrəgeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [NOUN of noun]

...a dereliction of duty and an abrogation of responsibility.

Synonyms: revocation, ending, withdrawal, scrapping [informal] More Synonyms of abrogate

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Word Frequency

abrogate in British English

(ˈæbrəʊˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul

Derived forms

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation)

noun

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abrogātus repealed, from ab-1 + rogāre to propose (a law)

Word Frequency

abrogate in American English

(ˈæbrəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabroˌgated or ˈabroˌgating

to cancel or repeal by authority; annul

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbolish

Derived forms

abrogable (ˈabrogable) (ˈæbrəgəbəl )

adjective

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation) (ˈæbrəˈgeɪʃən )

noun

abrogative (ˈabroˌgative)

adjective

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abrogatus, pp. of abrogare, to repeal < ab-, away + rogare, to ask: see rogation

Word Frequency

abrogate

(æbrəgeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrogates , present participle abrogating , past tense, past participle abrogated

verb

If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law, agreement, or practice, they put an end to it.

[formal]

The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: revoke, end, recall, withdraw More Synonyms of abrogate

abrogation (æbrəgeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [NOUN of noun]

...a dereliction of duty and an abrogation of responsibility.

Synonyms: revocation, ending, withdrawal, scrapping [informal] More Synonyms of abrogate

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Word Frequency

abrogate in British English

(ˈæbrəʊˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul

Derived forms

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation)

noun

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abrogātus repealed, from ab-1 + rogāre to propose (a law)

Word Frequency

abrogate in American English

(ˈæbrəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabroˌgated or ˈabroˌgating

to cancel or repeal by authority; annul

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbolish

Derived forms

abrogable (ˈabrogable) (ˈæbrəgəbəl )

adjective

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation) (ˈæbrəˈgeɪʃən )

noun

abrogative (ˈabroˌgative)

adjective

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abrogatus, pp. of abrogare, to repeal < ab-, away + rogare, to ask: see rogation

Word Frequency

abrogate

(æbrəgeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrogates , present participle abrogating , past tense, past participle abrogated

verb

If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law, agreement, or practice, they put an end to it.

[formal]

The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: revoke, end, recall, withdraw More Synonyms of abrogate

abrogation (æbrəgeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [NOUN of noun]

...a dereliction of duty and an abrogation of responsibility.

Synonyms: revocation, ending, withdrawal, scrapping [informal] More Synonyms of abrogate

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Word Frequency

abrogate in British English

(ˈæbrəʊˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul

Derived forms

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation)

noun

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abrogātus repealed, from ab-1 + rogāre to propose (a law)

Word Frequency

abrogate in American English

(ˈæbrəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabroˌgated or ˈabroˌgating

to cancel or repeal by authority; annul

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbolish

Derived forms

abrogable (ˈabrogable) (ˈæbrəgəbəl )

adjective

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation) (ˈæbrəˈgeɪʃən )

noun

abrogative (ˈabroˌgative)

adjective

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abrogatus, pp. of abrogare, to repeal < ab-, away + rogare, to ask: see rogation

Word Frequency

abrogate

(æbrəgeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrogates , present participle abrogating , past tense, past participle abrogated

verb

If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law, agreement, or practice, they put an end to it.

[formal]

The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: revoke, end, recall, withdraw More Synonyms of abrogate

abrogation (æbrəgeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [NOUN of noun]

...a dereliction of duty and an abrogation of responsibility.

Synonyms: revocation, ending, withdrawal, scrapping [informal] More Synonyms of abrogate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abrogate in British English

(ˈæbrəʊˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul

Derived forms

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation)

noun

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abrogātus repealed, from ab-1 + rogāre to propose (a law)

Word Frequency

abrogate in American English

(ˈæbrəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabroˌgated or ˈabroˌgating

to cancel or repeal by authority; annul

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbolish

Derived forms

abrogable (ˈabrogable) (ˈæbrəgəbəl )

adjective

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation) (ˈæbrəˈgeɪʃən )

noun

abrogative (ˈabroˌgative)

adjective

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abrogatus, pp. of abrogare, to repeal < ab-, away + rogare, to ask: see rogation

Word Frequency

abrogate

(æbrəgeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abrogates , present participle abrogating , past tense, past participle abrogated

verb

If someone in a position of authority abrogates something such as a law, agreement, or practice, they put an end to it.

[formal]

The next prime minister could abrogate the treaty. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: revoke, end, recall, withdraw More Synonyms of abrogate

abrogation (æbrəgeɪʃən ) uncountable noun [NOUN of noun]

...a dereliction of duty and an abrogation of responsibility.

Synonyms: revocation, ending, withdrawal, scrapping [informal] More Synonyms of abrogate

You may also like

Word Frequency

abrogate in British English

(ˈæbrəʊˌɡeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul

Derived forms

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation)

noun

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abrogātus repealed, from ab-1 + rogāre to propose (a law)

Word Frequency

abrogate in American English

(ˈæbrəˌgeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabroˌgated or ˈabroˌgating

to cancel or repeal by authority; annul

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbolish

Derived forms

abrogable (ˈabrogable) (ˈæbrəgəbəl )

adjective

abrogation (ˌabroˈgation) (ˈæbrəˈgeɪʃən )

noun

abrogative (ˈabroˌgative)

adjective

abrogator (ˈabroˌgator)

noun

Word origin

< L abrogatus, pp. of abrogare, to repeal < ab-, away + rogare, to ask: see rogation

Word Frequency

abrupt

(əbrʌpt )

1. adjective

An abrupt change or action is very sudden, often in a way which is unpleasant.

Rosie's idyllic world came to an abrupt end when her parents' marriage broke up.

The recession brought an abrupt halt to this happiness.

His abrupt departure is bound to raise questions.

Synonyms: sudden, unexpected, hurried, rapid More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

He stopped abruptly and looked my way.

Synonyms: suddenly, short, unexpectedly, all of a sudden More Synonyms of abrupt

2. adjective

Someone who is abrupt speaks in a rather rude, unfriendly way.

He was abrupt to the point of rudeness.

Cross was a little taken aback by her abrupt manner.

Synonyms: curt, direct, brief, sharp More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptly adverb

'Good night, then,' she said abruptly.

Synonyms: curtly, bluntly, rudely, briskly More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptness uncountable noun

I think Simon was hurt by your abruptness this afternoon.

Synonyms: suddenness, unexpectedness, precipitateness More Synonyms of abrupt

Synonyms: curtness, sharpness, shortness, bluntness More Synonyms of abrupt

More Synonyms of abrupt

Video: pronunciation of
abrupt

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Word Frequency

abrupt in British English

(əˈbrʌpt )

adjective

1.

sudden; unexpected

2.

brusque or brief in speech, manner, etc; curt

3.

(of a style of writing or speaking) making sharp transitions from one subject to another; disconnected

4.

precipitous; steep

5. botany

shaped as though a part has been cut off; truncate

6. geology

(of strata) cropping out suddenly

Derived forms

abruptly (abˈruptly)

adverb

abruptness (abˈruptness)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abruptus broken off, from ab-1 + rumpere to break

Word Frequency

abrupt in American English

(əˈbrʌpt )

adjective

1.

coming, happening, or ending suddenly; sudden; unexpected

2.

curt or gruff in behavior or speech; brusque

3.

very steep

said as of a precipice

4.

jumping from topic to topic without proper transitions; jerky and disconnected

5. Geology

having sudden variations in composition, form, etc.

said esp. of adjacent rock formations

SIMILAR WORDS: steep, ˈsudden

Derived forms

abruptly (aˈbruptly)

adverb

abruptness (aˈbruptness)

noun

Word origin

L abruptus, pp. of abrumpere, to break off < ab-, off + rumpere, to break: see rupture

Word Frequency

abruption in British English

(əˈbrʌpʃən )

noun

a breaking off of a part or parts from a mass

Word origin

C17: from Latin abruptio; see abrupt

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Word Frequency

abruption in American English

(æbˈrʌpʃən ; əbˈrʌpʃən )

noun

a sudden breaking away (of parts of a mass or, esp., of the placenta from the uterus)

Word origin

L abruptio: see abrupt

Word Frequency

abrupt

(əbrʌpt )

1. adjective

An abrupt change or action is very sudden, often in a way which is unpleasant.

Rosie's idyllic world came to an abrupt end when her parents' marriage broke up.

The recession brought an abrupt halt to this happiness.

His abrupt departure is bound to raise questions.

Synonyms: sudden, unexpected, hurried, rapid More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

He stopped abruptly and looked my way.

Synonyms: suddenly, short, unexpectedly, all of a sudden More Synonyms of abrupt

2. adjective

Someone who is abrupt speaks in a rather rude, unfriendly way.

He was abrupt to the point of rudeness.

Cross was a little taken aback by her abrupt manner.

Synonyms: curt, direct, brief, sharp More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptly adverb

'Good night, then,' she said abruptly.

Synonyms: curtly, bluntly, rudely, briskly More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptness uncountable noun

I think Simon was hurt by your abruptness this afternoon.

Synonyms: suddenness, unexpectedness, precipitateness More Synonyms of abrupt

Synonyms: curtness, sharpness, shortness, bluntness More Synonyms of abrupt

More Synonyms of abrupt

Video: pronunciation of
abrupt

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Word Frequency

abrupt in British English

(əˈbrʌpt )

adjective

1.

sudden; unexpected

2.

brusque or brief in speech, manner, etc; curt

3.

(of a style of writing or speaking) making sharp transitions from one subject to another; disconnected

4.

precipitous; steep

5. botany

shaped as though a part has been cut off; truncate

6. geology

(of strata) cropping out suddenly

Derived forms

abruptly (abˈruptly)

adverb

abruptness (abˈruptness)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abruptus broken off, from ab-1 + rumpere to break

Word Frequency

abrupt in American English

(əˈbrʌpt )

adjective

1.

coming, happening, or ending suddenly; sudden; unexpected

2.

curt or gruff in behavior or speech; brusque

3.

very steep

said as of a precipice

4.

jumping from topic to topic without proper transitions; jerky and disconnected

5. Geology

having sudden variations in composition, form, etc.

said esp. of adjacent rock formations

SIMILAR WORDS: steep, ˈsudden

Derived forms

abruptly (aˈbruptly)

adverb

abruptness (aˈbruptness)

noun

Word origin

L abruptus, pp. of abrumpere, to break off < ab-, off + rumpere, to break: see rupture

Word Frequency

abrupt

(əbrʌpt )

1. adjective

An abrupt change or action is very sudden, often in a way which is unpleasant.

Rosie's idyllic world came to an abrupt end when her parents' marriage broke up.

The recession brought an abrupt halt to this happiness.

His abrupt departure is bound to raise questions.

Synonyms: sudden, unexpected, hurried, rapid More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

He stopped abruptly and looked my way.

Synonyms: suddenly, short, unexpectedly, all of a sudden More Synonyms of abrupt

2. adjective

Someone who is abrupt speaks in a rather rude, unfriendly way.

He was abrupt to the point of rudeness.

Cross was a little taken aback by her abrupt manner.

Synonyms: curt, direct, brief, sharp More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptly adverb

'Good night, then,' she said abruptly.

Synonyms: curtly, bluntly, rudely, briskly More Synonyms of abrupt

abruptness uncountable noun

I think Simon was hurt by your abruptness this afternoon.

Synonyms: suddenness, unexpectedness, precipitateness More Synonyms of abrupt

Synonyms: curtness, sharpness, shortness, bluntness More Synonyms of abrupt

More Synonyms of abrupt

Video: pronunciation of
abrupt

You may also like

Word Frequency

abrupt in British English

(əˈbrʌpt )

adjective

1.

sudden; unexpected

2.

brusque or brief in speech, manner, etc; curt

3.

(of a style of writing or speaking) making sharp transitions from one subject to another; disconnected

4.

precipitous; steep

5. botany

shaped as though a part has been cut off; truncate

6. geology

(of strata) cropping out suddenly

Derived forms

abruptly (abˈruptly)

adverb

abruptness (abˈruptness)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abruptus broken off, from ab-1 + rumpere to break

Word Frequency

abrupt in American English

(əˈbrʌpt )

adjective

1.

coming, happening, or ending suddenly; sudden; unexpected

2.

curt or gruff in behavior or speech; brusque

3.

very steep

said as of a precipice

4.

jumping from topic to topic without proper transitions; jerky and disconnected

5. Geology

having sudden variations in composition, form, etc.

said esp. of adjacent rock formations

SIMILAR WORDS: steep, ˈsudden

Derived forms

abruptly (aˈbruptly)

adverb

abruptness (aˈbruptness)

noun

Word origin

L abruptus, pp. of abrumpere, to break off < ab-, off + rumpere, to break: see rupture

Word Frequency

Abruzzi in American English

(ɑˈbrutsi )

region of central Italy, on the Adriatic: 4,168 sq mi (10,795 sq km); pop. 1,249,000

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Word Frequency

Abruzzi in American English

(əˈbruːtsi, Italian ɑːˈbʀuːttsi)

noun

Duke of the ( Prince Luigi Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta), 1873–1933, Italian naval officer, mountain climber, and Arctic explorer

Word Frequency

abs

(æbz )

plural noun

Abs are the same as abdominals.

[informal]

Throughout the exercise, focus on keeping your abs tight.

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Word Frequency

abs in British English

(æbz )

plural noun

informal

abdominal muscles

Word Frequency

ABS in British English

abbreviation for

acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene: any of a range of tough copolymers used esp for making moulded articles

Word Frequency

ABS in American English 1

(ˌeɪˌbiˈɛs )

noun

acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a hard, tough, lightweight plastic used for automobile parts, counter tops, etc.

: in full ABS resin

Word Frequency

ABS in American English 2

(ˌeɪˌbiˈɛs )

anti-lock braking (or brake) system

Word Frequency

abs in American English 1

(æbz )

plural noun

Slang

abdominal muscles

Word Frequency

abs in American English 2

absolute ( temperature)

Word Frequency

abs- in American English

(æbs ; əbs )

used before c or t

abstract

Word Frequency

ABS in Automotive Engineering

(eɪ bi ɛs) or anti-lock braking system

abbreviation

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Brakes, steering, wheels, tires, and suspension)

ABS is a system in a vehicle that stops the wheels from locking when you brake.

Abbreviation from the German "Antiblockiersystem"

The ABS system constantly monitors the speed of all four wheels and, when it detects one wheel slowing down faster than the others, reduces the braking force at that wheel.

Safety engineering, such as seat belts and ABS, is directed at protecting drivers from themselves.

Safety features of the model are good, with standard ABS and twin air bags.

PronunciationThree-letter abbreviations are usually pronounced as separate letters with the stress on the last syllable.ABS ( /eɪ bi ɛs/)BHP ( /bi eɪtʃ pi/)LPG ( /ɛl pi dʒi/)NVH ( /ɛn vi eɪtʃ/)PTO ( /pi ti oʊ/)

Word Frequency

abs

(æbz )

plural noun

Abs are the same as abdominals.

[informal]

Throughout the exercise, focus on keeping your abs tight.

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Word Frequency

abs in British English

(æbz )

plural noun

informal

abdominal muscles

Word Frequency

ABS in British English

abbreviation for

acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene: any of a range of tough copolymers used esp for making moulded articles

Word Frequency

ABS in American English 1

(ˌeɪˌbiˈɛs )

noun

acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a hard, tough, lightweight plastic used for automobile parts, counter tops, etc.

: in full ABS resin

Word Frequency

ABS in American English 2

(ˌeɪˌbiˈɛs )

anti-lock braking (or brake) system

Word Frequency

abs in American English 1

(æbz )

plural noun

Slang

abdominal muscles

Word Frequency

abs in American English 2

absolute ( temperature)

Word Frequency

abs- in American English

(æbs ; əbs )

used before c or t

abstract

Word Frequency

ABS in Automotive Engineering

(eɪ bi ɛs) or anti-lock braking system

abbreviation

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Brakes, steering, wheels, tires, and suspension)

ABS is a system in a vehicle that stops the wheels from locking when you brake.

Abbreviation from the German "Antiblockiersystem"

The ABS system constantly monitors the speed of all four wheels and, when it detects one wheel slowing down faster than the others, reduces the braking force at that wheel.

Safety engineering, such as seat belts and ABS, is directed at protecting drivers from themselves.

Safety features of the model are good, with standard ABS and twin air bags.

PronunciationThree-letter abbreviations are usually pronounced as separate letters with the stress on the last syllable.ABS ( /eɪ bi ɛs/)BHP ( /bi eɪtʃ pi/)LPG ( /ɛl pi dʒi/)NVH ( /ɛn vi eɪtʃ/)PTO ( /pi ti oʊ/)

Word Frequency

abs

(æbz )

plural noun

Abs are the same as abdominals.

[informal]

Throughout the exercise, focus on keeping your abs tight.

You may also like

Word Frequency

abs in British English

(æbz )

plural noun

informal

abdominal muscles

Word Frequency

ABS in British English

abbreviation for

acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene: any of a range of tough copolymers used esp for making moulded articles

Word Frequency

ABS in American English 1

(ˌeɪˌbiˈɛs )

noun

acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a hard, tough, lightweight plastic used for automobile parts, counter tops, etc.

: in full ABS resin

Word Frequency

ABS in American English 2

(ˌeɪˌbiˈɛs )

anti-lock braking (or brake) system

Word Frequency

abs in American English 1

(æbz )

plural noun

Slang

abdominal muscles

Word Frequency

abs in American English 2

absolute ( temperature)

Word Frequency

abs- in American English

(æbs ; əbs )

used before c or t

abstract

Word Frequency

ABS in Automotive Engineering

(eɪ bi ɛs) or anti-lock braking system

abbreviation

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Brakes, steering, wheels, tires, and suspension)

ABS is a system in a vehicle that stops the wheels from locking when you brake.

Abbreviation from the German "Antiblockiersystem"

The ABS system constantly monitors the speed of all four wheels and, when it detects one wheel slowing down faster than the others, reduces the braking force at that wheel.

Safety engineering, such as seat belts and ABS, is directed at protecting drivers from themselves.

Safety features of the model are good, with standard ABS and twin air bags.

PronunciationThree-letter abbreviations are usually pronounced as separate letters with the stress on the last syllable.ABS ( /eɪ bi ɛs/)BHP ( /bi eɪtʃ pi/)LPG ( /ɛl pi dʒi/)NVH ( /ɛn vi eɪtʃ/)PTO ( /pi ti oʊ/)

Word Frequency

Absalom in British English

(ˈæbsələm )

noun

Old Testament

the third son of David, who rebelled against his father and was eventually killed by Joab (II Samuel 15–18)

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Word Frequency

Absalom in American English

(ˈæbsələm ; ˈæbsəˌlɑm )

noun

Bible

David's favorite son, killed after rebelling against his father: 2 Sam. 18

Word origin

L < Heb avshalom, lit., the father is peace

Word Frequency

abscess

(æbses )

Word forms: plural abscesses

countable noun

An abscess is a painful swelling containing pus.

Synonyms: boil, infection, swelling, blister More Synonyms of abscess

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Word Frequency

abscess in British English

(ˈæbsɛs , -sɪs)

noun

1.

a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria

verb

2. (intransitive)

to form such a collection of pus

Derived forms

abscessed (ˈabscessed)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from abscēdere to go away

Word Frequency

abscess in American English

(ˈæbˌsɛs )

noun

1.

a swollen, inflamed area in body tissues, in which pus gathers

verb intransitive

2.

to form an abscess

Derived forms

abscessed (ˈabˌscessed)

adjective

Word origin

L abscessus < abscedere, to go from < ab(s)-, from + cedere, to go: from the notion that humors go from the body into the swelling

Word Frequency

abscess

(æbses )

Word forms: plural abscesses

countable noun

An abscess is a painful swelling containing pus.

Synonyms: boil, infection, swelling, blister More Synonyms of abscess

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Word Frequency

abscess in British English

(ˈæbsɛs , -sɪs)

noun

1.

a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria

verb

2. (intransitive)

to form such a collection of pus

Derived forms

abscessed (ˈabscessed)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from abscēdere to go away

Word Frequency

abscess in American English

(ˈæbˌsɛs )

noun

1.

a swollen, inflamed area in body tissues, in which pus gathers

verb intransitive

2.

to form an abscess

Derived forms

abscessed (ˈabˌscessed)

adjective

Word origin

L abscessus < abscedere, to go from < ab(s)-, from + cedere, to go: from the notion that humors go from the body into the swelling

Word Frequency

abscess

(æbses )

Word forms: plural abscesses

countable noun

An abscess is a painful swelling containing pus.

Synonyms: boil, infection, swelling, blister More Synonyms of abscess

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Word Frequency

abscess in British English

(ˈæbsɛs , -sɪs)

noun

1.

a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria

verb

2. (intransitive)

to form such a collection of pus

Derived forms

abscessed (ˈabscessed)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from abscēdere to go away

Word Frequency

abscess in American English

(ˈæbˌsɛs )

noun

1.

a swollen, inflamed area in body tissues, in which pus gathers

verb intransitive

2.

to form an abscess

Derived forms

abscessed (ˈabˌscessed)

adjective

Word origin

L abscessus < abscedere, to go from < ab(s)-, from + cedere, to go: from the notion that humors go from the body into the swelling

Word Frequency

abscess

(æbses )

Word forms: plural abscesses

countable noun

An abscess is a painful swelling containing pus.

Synonyms: boil, infection, swelling, blister More Synonyms of abscess

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Word Frequency

abscess in British English

(ˈæbsɛs , -sɪs)

noun

1.

a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria

verb

2. (intransitive)

to form such a collection of pus

Derived forms

abscessed (ˈabscessed)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from abscēdere to go away

Word Frequency

abscess in American English

(ˈæbˌsɛs )

noun

1.

a swollen, inflamed area in body tissues, in which pus gathers

verb intransitive

2.

to form an abscess

Derived forms

abscessed (ˈabˌscessed)

adjective

Word origin

L abscessus < abscedere, to go from < ab(s)-, from + cedere, to go: from the notion that humors go from the body into the swelling

Word Frequency

abscind in British English

(æbˈsɪnd)

verb (transitive)

literary

to cut off

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Word Frequency

abscind in American English

(æbˈsɪnd)

transitive verb

to sever

Word origin

[1650–60; ‹ L abscindere, equiv. to ab- ab- + scindere to divide, tear]This word is first recorded in the period 1650–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: agency, cardholder, gas, parameter, profileab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abscise in British English

(æbˈsaɪz )

verb

to separate or be separated by abscission

Word origin

C17: from Latin abscisus, from abscīdere to cut off

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Word Frequency

abscise in American English

(æbˈsaɪz )

verb intransitive, verb transitiveWord forms: abˈscised or abˈscising

to separate by abscission

Word origin

< L abscisus, pp. of abscidere, to cut off < abs-, var. of ab-, ab- + caedere, to cut: see -cide

Word Frequency

abscise in British English

(æbˈsaɪz )

verb

to separate or be separated by abscission

Word origin

C17: from Latin abscisus, from abscīdere to cut off

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Word Frequency

abscise in American English

(æbˈsaɪz )

verb intransitive, verb transitiveWord forms: abˈscised or abˈscising

to separate by abscission

Word origin

< L abscisus, pp. of abscidere, to cut off < abs-, var. of ab-, ab- + caedere, to cut: see -cide

Word Frequency

abscise in British English

(æbˈsaɪz )

verb

to separate or be separated by abscission

Word origin

C17: from Latin abscisus, from abscīdere to cut off

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Word Frequency

abscise in American English

(æbˈsaɪz )

verb intransitive, verb transitiveWord forms: abˈscised or abˈscising

to separate by abscission

Word origin

< L abscisus, pp. of abscidere, to cut off < abs-, var. of ab-, ab- + caedere, to cut: see -cide

Word Frequency

abscise in British English

(æbˈsaɪz )

verb

to separate or be separated by abscission

Word origin

C17: from Latin abscisus, from abscīdere to cut off

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Word Frequency

abscise in American English

(æbˈsaɪz )

verb intransitive, verb transitiveWord forms: abˈscised or abˈscising

to separate by abscission

Word origin

< L abscisus, pp. of abscidere, to cut off < abs-, var. of ab-, ab- + caedere, to cut: see -cide

Word Frequency

abscissa in British English

(æbˈsɪsə )

nounWord forms: plural -scissas or -scissae (-ˈsɪsiː)

the horizontal or x-coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinates. It is the distance from the y-axis measured parallel to the x-axis

Also : absciss, abscisse. Compare ordinate

Word origin

C17: New Latin, originally linea abscissa a cut-off line

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Word Frequency

abscissa in American English

(æbˈsɪsə ; əbˈsɪsə )

nounWord forms: plural abˈscissas or abˈscissae (æbˈsɪsi ; əbˈsɪsi )

Ancient Mathematics

the horizontal Cartesian coordinate on a plane, measured from the y-axis along a line parallel with the x-axis to point P

Word origin

L abscissa (linea), (a line) cut off, fem. of abscissus, pp. of abscindere, to cut off < ab-, from, off + scindere, to cut < IE *skei-: for base see saw2

Word Frequency

abscission in British English

(æbˈsɪʒən , -ˈsɪʃ-)

noun

1.

the separation of leaves, branches, flowers, and bark from plants by the formation of an abscission layer

2.

the act of cutting off

Word origin

C17: from Latin abscissiōn-, from ab-1 + scissiō a cleaving

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'terms used in botany'

Word Frequency

abscission in American English

(æbˈsɪʒən )

noun

1.

a cutting off, as by surgery

2.

the normal separation of fruit, leaves, etc. from plants by the development of a thin layer of pithy cells at the base of their stems

Word origin

ME abscisioun < L abscissio: see abscissa

Word Frequency

abscond

(æbskɒnd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absconds , present participle absconding , past tense, past participle absconded

1. verb

If someone absconds from somewhere such as a prison, they escape from it or leave it without permission.

[formal]

He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded. [VERB]

A dozen inmates have absconded from Forest Jail in the past year. [VERB + from]

Synonyms: escape, flee, get away, bolt More Synonyms of abscond

2. verb

If someone absconds with something, they leave and take it with them, although it does not belong to them.

[formal]

Unfortunately, his partners were crooks and absconded with the funds. [VERB + with]

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Word Frequency

abscond in British English

(əbˈskɒnd )

verb

(intransitive)

to run away secretly, esp from an open institution or to avoid prosecution or punishment

Derived forms

absconder (abˈsconder)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abscondere to hide, put away, from abs- ab-1 + condere to stow

Word Frequency

abscond in American English

(æbˈskɑnd ; əbˈskɑnd )

verb intransitive

to go away hastily and secretly; run away and hide, esp. in order to escape the law

Derived forms

absconder (abˈsconder)

noun

Word origin

L abscondere < ab(s)-, from, away + condere, to hide: see recondite

Word Frequency

abscond

(æbskɒnd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absconds , present participle absconding , past tense, past participle absconded

1. verb

If someone absconds from somewhere such as a prison, they escape from it or leave it without permission.

[formal]

He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded. [VERB]

A dozen inmates have absconded from Forest Jail in the past year. [VERB + from]

Synonyms: escape, flee, get away, bolt More Synonyms of abscond

2. verb

If someone absconds with something, they leave and take it with them, although it does not belong to them.

[formal]

Unfortunately, his partners were crooks and absconded with the funds. [VERB + with]

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Word Frequency

abscond in British English

(əbˈskɒnd )

verb

(intransitive)

to run away secretly, esp from an open institution or to avoid prosecution or punishment

Derived forms

absconder (abˈsconder)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abscondere to hide, put away, from abs- ab-1 + condere to stow

Word Frequency

abscond in American English

(æbˈskɑnd ; əbˈskɑnd )

verb intransitive

to go away hastily and secretly; run away and hide, esp. in order to escape the law

Derived forms

absconder (abˈsconder)

noun

Word origin

L abscondere < ab(s)-, from, away + condere, to hide: see recondite

Word Frequency

abscondence in British English

(æbˈskɒndəns)

noun

literary

secret concealment or seclusion, or the action of absconding

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Word Frequency

abscondence in American English

(æbˈskɑndəns)

noun

hiding, esp. to avoid legal proceedings

Word origin

[1875–80; abscond + -ence]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: authoritarian, hat trick, massage, musical chairs, weekend-ence is a suffix used to form nouns either from adjectives in -ent or from verbs. Other words that use the affix -ence include: convergence, dependence, diffluence, precedence, reference

Word Frequency

abscond

(æbskɒnd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absconds , present participle absconding , past tense, past participle absconded

1. verb

If someone absconds from somewhere such as a prison, they escape from it or leave it without permission.

[formal]

He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded. [VERB]

A dozen inmates have absconded from Forest Jail in the past year. [VERB + from]

Synonyms: escape, flee, get away, bolt More Synonyms of abscond

2. verb

If someone absconds with something, they leave and take it with them, although it does not belong to them.

[formal]

Unfortunately, his partners were crooks and absconded with the funds. [VERB + with]

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Word Frequency

abscond in British English

(əbˈskɒnd )

verb

(intransitive)

to run away secretly, esp from an open institution or to avoid prosecution or punishment

Derived forms

absconder (abˈsconder)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abscondere to hide, put away, from abs- ab-1 + condere to stow

Word Frequency

abscond in American English

(æbˈskɑnd ; əbˈskɑnd )

verb intransitive

to go away hastily and secretly; run away and hide, esp. in order to escape the law

Derived forms

absconder (abˈsconder)

noun

Word origin

L abscondere < ab(s)-, from, away + condere, to hide: see recondite

Word Frequency

abscond

(æbskɒnd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absconds , present participle absconding , past tense, past participle absconded

1. verb

If someone absconds from somewhere such as a prison, they escape from it or leave it without permission.

[formal]

He was ordered to appear the following day, but absconded. [VERB]

A dozen inmates have absconded from Forest Jail in the past year. [VERB + from]

Synonyms: escape, flee, get away, bolt More Synonyms of abscond

2. verb

If someone absconds with something, they leave and take it with them, although it does not belong to them.

[formal]

Unfortunately, his partners were crooks and absconded with the funds. [VERB + with]

You may also like

Word Frequency

abscond in British English

(əbˈskɒnd )

verb

(intransitive)

to run away secretly, esp from an open institution or to avoid prosecution or punishment

Derived forms

absconder (abˈsconder)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abscondere to hide, put away, from abs- ab-1 + condere to stow

Word Frequency

abscond in American English

(æbˈskɑnd ; əbˈskɑnd )

verb intransitive

to go away hastily and secretly; run away and hide, esp. in order to escape the law

Derived forms

absconder (abˈsconder)

noun

Word origin

L abscondere < ab(s)-, from, away + condere, to hide: see recondite

Word Frequency

abseil

(æbseɪl )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abseils , present participle abseiling , past tense, past participle abseiled

verb

To abseil down a cliff or rock face means to slide down it in a controlled way using a rope, with your feet against the cliff or rock.

[British]

The man and his son Mark had abseiled down the sheer cliffs. [V down n]

regional note: in AM, use rappel

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Word Frequency

abseil in British English

(ˈæbseɪl )

verb (intransitive)

1. mountaineering

to descend a steep slope or vertical drop by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body or through karabiners attached to one's body in order to control the speed of descent

2.

to descend by rope from a helicopter

noun

3.

an instance or the technique of abseiling

Also called: rappel

Word origin

C20: from German abseilen to descend by a rope, from ab- down + Seil rope

Word Frequency

abseil in American English

(ˈɑpˌzaɪl ; ˈɑpˌsaɪl ; ˈɑbˌzaɪl ; ˈɑbˌsaɪl )

verb intransitive

1.

to descend by rappelling

noun

2.

such a descent

Word origin

Ger abseilen < ab, down + seil, a rope

Word Frequency

abseil

(æbseɪl )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abseils , present participle abseiling , past tense, past participle abseiled

verb

To abseil down a cliff or rock face means to slide down it in a controlled way using a rope, with your feet against the cliff or rock.

[British]

The man and his son Mark had abseiled down the sheer cliffs. [V down n]

regional note: in AM, use rappel

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Word Frequency

abseil in British English

(ˈæbseɪl )

verb (intransitive)

1. mountaineering

to descend a steep slope or vertical drop by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body or through karabiners attached to one's body in order to control the speed of descent

2.

to descend by rope from a helicopter

noun

3.

an instance or the technique of abseiling

Also called: rappel

Word origin

C20: from German abseilen to descend by a rope, from ab- down + Seil rope

Word Frequency

abseil in American English

(ˈɑpˌzaɪl ; ˈɑpˌsaɪl ; ˈɑbˌzaɪl ; ˈɑbˌsaɪl )

verb intransitive

1.

to descend by rappelling

noun

2.

such a descent

Word origin

Ger abseilen < ab, down + seil, a rope

Word Frequency

abseil

(æbseɪl )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abseils , present participle abseiling , past tense, past participle abseiled

verb

To abseil down a cliff or rock face means to slide down it in a controlled way using a rope, with your feet against the cliff or rock.

[British]

The man and his son Mark had abseiled down the sheer cliffs. [V down n]

regional note: in AM, use rappel

You may also like

Word Frequency

abseil in British English

(ˈæbseɪl )

verb (intransitive)

1. mountaineering

to descend a steep slope or vertical drop by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body or through karabiners attached to one's body in order to control the speed of descent

2.

to descend by rope from a helicopter

noun

3.

an instance or the technique of abseiling

Also called: rappel

Word origin

C20: from German abseilen to descend by a rope, from ab- down + Seil rope

Word Frequency

abseil in American English

(ˈɑpˌzaɪl ; ˈɑpˌsaɪl ; ˈɑbˌzaɪl ; ˈɑbˌsaɪl )

verb intransitive

1.

to descend by rappelling

noun

2.

such a descent

Word origin

Ger abseilen < ab, down + seil, a rope

Word Frequency

absence

(æbsəns )

Word forms: plural absences

1. variable noun

Someone's absence from a place is the fact that they are not there.

...a bundle of letters which had arrived for me in my absence.

Eleanor would later blame her mother-in-law for her husband's frequent absences.

Synonyms: time off, leave, break, vacation More Synonyms of absence

2. singular noun

The absence of something from a place is the fact that it is not there or does not exist.

The presence or absence of clouds can have an important impact on heat transfer. [+ of]

In the absence of a will the courts decide who the guardian is. [+ of]

Synonyms: lack, defect, deficiency, default More Synonyms of absence

3. See also leave of absence

4. conspicuous by one's absence

Video: pronunciation of
absence

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Word Frequency

absence in British English

(ˈæbsəns )

noun

1.

the state of being away

2.

the time during which a person or thing is away

3.

the fact of being without something; lack

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin absentia, from absēns a being away

Word Frequency

absence in American English

(ˈæbsəns )

noun

1.

the condition of being absent, or away

2.

the time of being away

3.

the fact of being without; lack

in the absence of evidence

4.

inattentiveness

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absentia: see absent

Word Frequency

absence

(æbsəns )

Word forms: plural absences

1. variable noun

Someone's absence from a place is the fact that they are not there.

...a bundle of letters which had arrived for me in my absence.

Eleanor would later blame her mother-in-law for her husband's frequent absences.

Synonyms: time off, leave, break, vacation More Synonyms of absence

2. singular noun

The absence of something from a place is the fact that it is not there or does not exist.

The presence or absence of clouds can have an important impact on heat transfer. [+ of]

In the absence of a will the courts decide who the guardian is. [+ of]

Synonyms: lack, defect, deficiency, default More Synonyms of absence

3. See also leave of absence

4. conspicuous by one's absence

Video: pronunciation of
absence

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Word Frequency

absence in British English

(ˈæbsəns )

noun

1.

the state of being away

2.

the time during which a person or thing is away

3.

the fact of being without something; lack

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin absentia, from absēns a being away

Word Frequency

absence in American English

(ˈæbsəns )

noun

1.

the condition of being absent, or away

2.

the time of being away

3.

the fact of being without; lack

in the absence of evidence

4.

inattentiveness

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absentia: see absent

Word Frequency

absent

(æbsənt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absents, present participle absenting, past tense, past participle absentedpronunciation note: The adjective and preposition are pronounced (æbsənt ). The verb is pronounced (æbsent ).

1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone or something is absent from a place or situation where they should be or where they usually are, they are not there.

He has been absent from his desk for two weeks. [+ from]

The pictures, too, were absent from the walls.

Evans was absent without leave from his Hong Kong-based regiment.

Synonyms: away, missing, gone, lacking More Synonyms of absent

2. adjective

If someone appears absent, they are not paying attention because they are thinking about something else.

'Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way.

Synonyms: absent-minded, blank, unconscious, abstracted More Synonyms of absent

absently (æbsəntli ) adverb

He nodded absently.

Synonyms: distractedly, dreamily, absent-mindedly, on automatic pilot More Synonyms of absent

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An absent parent does not live with his or her children.

...absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after their children.

4. verb

If someone absents themselves from a place where they should be or where they usually are, they do not go there or they do not stay there.

[formal]

She was old enough to absent herself from the lunch table if she chose. [V pron-refl from n]

He pleaded guilty before a court martial to absenting himself without leave. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

5. preposition

If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen.

[US, formal]

Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting.

Video: pronunciation of
absent

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Word Frequency

absent in British English

adjective (ˈæbsənt )

1.

away or not present

2.

lacking; missing

3.

verb (æbˈsɛnt )

4. (transitive)

to remove (oneself) or keep away

Derived forms

absenter (abˈsenter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin absent-, stem of absēns, present participle of abesse to be away

Word Frequency

absent in American English

(ˈæbsənt ; for v., æbˈsɛnt ; əbsənt )

adjective

1.

not present; away

2.

not existing; lacking

3.

not attentive; absorbed in thought

verb transitive

4.

to keep (oneself) away

to absent oneself from classes

preposition US

5.

in the absence of; lacking

absent her testimony, our case is weak

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absens, prp. of abesse < ab-, away + esse, to be: see is1

Word Frequency

absent

(æbsənt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absents, present participle absenting, past tense, past participle absentedpronunciation note: The adjective and preposition are pronounced (æbsənt ). The verb is pronounced (æbsent ).

1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone or something is absent from a place or situation where they should be or where they usually are, they are not there.

He has been absent from his desk for two weeks. [+ from]

The pictures, too, were absent from the walls.

Evans was absent without leave from his Hong Kong-based regiment.

Synonyms: away, missing, gone, lacking More Synonyms of absent

2. adjective

If someone appears absent, they are not paying attention because they are thinking about something else.

'Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way.

Synonyms: absent-minded, blank, unconscious, abstracted More Synonyms of absent

absently (æbsəntli ) adverb

He nodded absently.

Synonyms: distractedly, dreamily, absent-mindedly, on automatic pilot More Synonyms of absent

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An absent parent does not live with his or her children.

...absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after their children.

4. verb

If someone absents themselves from a place where they should be or where they usually are, they do not go there or they do not stay there.

[formal]

She was old enough to absent herself from the lunch table if she chose. [V pron-refl from n]

He pleaded guilty before a court martial to absenting himself without leave. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

5. preposition

If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen.

[US, formal]

Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting.

Video: pronunciation of
absent

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent in British English

adjective (ˈæbsənt )

1.

away or not present

2.

lacking; missing

3.

verb (æbˈsɛnt )

4. (transitive)

to remove (oneself) or keep away

Derived forms

absenter (abˈsenter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin absent-, stem of absēns, present participle of abesse to be away

Word Frequency

absent in American English

(ˈæbsənt ; for v., æbˈsɛnt ; əbsənt )

adjective

1.

not present; away

2.

not existing; lacking

3.

not attentive; absorbed in thought

verb transitive

4.

to keep (oneself) away

to absent oneself from classes

preposition US

5.

in the absence of; lacking

absent her testimony, our case is weak

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absens, prp. of abesse < ab-, away + esse, to be: see is1

Word Frequency

absentee

(æbsəntiː )

Word forms: plural absentees

1. countable noun

An absentee is a person who is expected to be in a particular place but who is not there.

Synonyms: nonattender, stay-at-home, truant, no-show More Synonyms of absentee

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Absentee is used to describe someone who is not there to do a particular job in person.

Absentee fathers will be forced to pay child maintenance.

...an absentee landlord.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

In elections in the United States, if you vote by absentee ballot or if you are an absentee voter, you vote in advance because you will be away.

[US]

He has already voted by absentee ballot.

The deadline for absentee voting in Louisiana was Saturday.

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Word Frequency

absentee in British English

(ˌæbsənˈtiː )

noun

a.

a person who is absent

b.

(as modifier)

an absentee voter

Word Frequency

absentee in American English

(ˌæbsənˈti )

noun

1.

a person who is absent, as from work, school, etc.

adjective

2.

designating or of a landlord or owner whose personal residence is distant from any other property owned, esp. from such property rented to another

Word Frequency

absenteeism

(æbsəntiːɪzəm )

uncountable noun

Absenteeism is the fact or habit of frequently being away from work or school, usually without a good reason.

...the high rate of absenteeism.

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Word Frequency

absenteeism in British English

(ˌæbsənˈtiːɪzəm )

noun

persistent absence from work, school, etc

Word Frequency

absenteeism in American English

(ˌæbsənˈtiˌɪzəm )

noun

absence from work, school, etc., esp. when deliberate or habitual

Word Frequency

absentee

(æbsəntiː )

Word forms: plural absentees

1. countable noun

An absentee is a person who is expected to be in a particular place but who is not there.

Synonyms: nonattender, stay-at-home, truant, no-show More Synonyms of absentee

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Absentee is used to describe someone who is not there to do a particular job in person.

Absentee fathers will be forced to pay child maintenance.

...an absentee landlord.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

In elections in the United States, if you vote by absentee ballot or if you are an absentee voter, you vote in advance because you will be away.

[US]

He has already voted by absentee ballot.

The deadline for absentee voting in Louisiana was Saturday.

You may also like

Word Frequency

absentee in British English

(ˌæbsənˈtiː )

noun

a.

a person who is absent

b.

(as modifier)

an absentee voter

Word Frequency

absentee in American English

(ˌæbsənˈti )

noun

1.

a person who is absent, as from work, school, etc.

adjective

2.

designating or of a landlord or owner whose personal residence is distant from any other property owned, esp. from such property rented to another

Word Frequency

absent

(æbsənt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absents, present participle absenting, past tense, past participle absentedpronunciation note: The adjective and preposition are pronounced (æbsənt ). The verb is pronounced (æbsent ).

1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone or something is absent from a place or situation where they should be or where they usually are, they are not there.

He has been absent from his desk for two weeks. [+ from]

The pictures, too, were absent from the walls.

Evans was absent without leave from his Hong Kong-based regiment.

Synonyms: away, missing, gone, lacking More Synonyms of absent

2. adjective

If someone appears absent, they are not paying attention because they are thinking about something else.

'Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way.

Synonyms: absent-minded, blank, unconscious, abstracted More Synonyms of absent

absently (æbsəntli ) adverb

He nodded absently.

Synonyms: distractedly, dreamily, absent-mindedly, on automatic pilot More Synonyms of absent

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An absent parent does not live with his or her children.

...absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after their children.

4. verb

If someone absents themselves from a place where they should be or where they usually are, they do not go there or they do not stay there.

[formal]

She was old enough to absent herself from the lunch table if she chose. [V pron-refl from n]

He pleaded guilty before a court martial to absenting himself without leave. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

5. preposition

If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen.

[US, formal]

Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting.

Video: pronunciation of
absent

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent in British English

adjective (ˈæbsənt )

1.

away or not present

2.

lacking; missing

3.

verb (æbˈsɛnt )

4. (transitive)

to remove (oneself) or keep away

Derived forms

absenter (abˈsenter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin absent-, stem of absēns, present participle of abesse to be away

Word Frequency

absent in American English

(ˈæbsənt ; for v., æbˈsɛnt ; əbsənt )

adjective

1.

not present; away

2.

not existing; lacking

3.

not attentive; absorbed in thought

verb transitive

4.

to keep (oneself) away

to absent oneself from classes

preposition US

5.

in the absence of; lacking

absent her testimony, our case is weak

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absens, prp. of abesse < ab-, away + esse, to be: see is1

Word Frequency

absentia

(æbsentiə , US -senʃə )

See in absentia

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Word Frequency

absentia in British English

(æbˈsɛntɪə)

noun

in absentia

in absentia in British English

Latin (ɪn æbˈsɛntɪə)

adverb

in the absence of (someone indicated)

he was condemned in absentia

Word Frequency

absent

(æbsənt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absents, present participle absenting, past tense, past participle absentedpronunciation note: The adjective and preposition are pronounced (æbsənt ). The verb is pronounced (æbsent ).

1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone or something is absent from a place or situation where they should be or where they usually are, they are not there.

He has been absent from his desk for two weeks. [+ from]

The pictures, too, were absent from the walls.

Evans was absent without leave from his Hong Kong-based regiment.

Synonyms: away, missing, gone, lacking More Synonyms of absent

2. adjective

If someone appears absent, they are not paying attention because they are thinking about something else.

'Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way.

Synonyms: absent-minded, blank, unconscious, abstracted More Synonyms of absent

absently (æbsəntli ) adverb

He nodded absently.

Synonyms: distractedly, dreamily, absent-mindedly, on automatic pilot More Synonyms of absent

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An absent parent does not live with his or her children.

...absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after their children.

4. verb

If someone absents themselves from a place where they should be or where they usually are, they do not go there or they do not stay there.

[formal]

She was old enough to absent herself from the lunch table if she chose. [V pron-refl from n]

He pleaded guilty before a court martial to absenting himself without leave. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

5. preposition

If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen.

[US, formal]

Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting.

Video: pronunciation of
absent

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent in British English

adjective (ˈæbsənt )

1.

away or not present

2.

lacking; missing

3.

verb (æbˈsɛnt )

4. (transitive)

to remove (oneself) or keep away

Derived forms

absenter (abˈsenter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin absent-, stem of absēns, present participle of abesse to be away

Word Frequency

absent in American English

(ˈæbsənt ; for v., æbˈsɛnt ; əbsənt )

adjective

1.

not present; away

2.

not existing; lacking

3.

not attentive; absorbed in thought

verb transitive

4.

to keep (oneself) away

to absent oneself from classes

preposition US

5.

in the absence of; lacking

absent her testimony, our case is weak

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absens, prp. of abesse < ab-, away + esse, to be: see is1

Word Frequency

absently in British English

(ˈæbsəntlɪ )

adverb

in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively

You may also like

Word Frequency

absently in American English

(ˈæbsəntli )

adverb

in an absent or preoccupied manner; inattentively

Word Frequency

absent-minded

also absentminded

adjective

Someone who is absent-minded forgets things or does not pay attention to what they are doing, often because they are thinking about something else.

In his later life he became even more absent-minded.

Synonyms: forgetful, absorbed, abstracted, vague More Synonyms of absent-minded

absent-mindedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.

absent-mindedness uncountable noun [oft with poss]

You will have to put up with Grace's absent-mindedness.

Synonyms: forgetfulness, musing, preoccupation, abstraction More Synonyms of absent-minded

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent-minded in British English

adjective

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˌabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˌabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded in American English

(ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd ) or absentminded (ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd )

adjective

1.

so dreamy or lost in thought as not to pay attention to what one is doing or what is going on around one

2.

habitually forgetful

SYNONYMY NOTE: absent-minded suggests an aimless wandering of the mind away from the immediate situation, often implying a habitual tendency of this kind [the absent-minded professor]; abstracted suggests a withdrawal of the mind from the immediate present and a serious concern with some other subject; , preoccupied implies that the attention cannot be readily turned to something new because of its concern with a present matter; , distrait suggests inability to concentrate, often emphasizing such a condition as a mood; , distraught implies a similar inability to concentrate, specifically because of worry, grief, etc.; , inattentive implies a failure to pay attention, emphasizing such behavior as a lack of discipline

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˈabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˈabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded

also absentminded

adjective

Someone who is absent-minded forgets things or does not pay attention to what they are doing, often because they are thinking about something else.

In his later life he became even more absent-minded.

Synonyms: forgetful, absorbed, abstracted, vague More Synonyms of absent-minded

absent-mindedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.

absent-mindedness uncountable noun [oft with poss]

You will have to put up with Grace's absent-mindedness.

Synonyms: forgetfulness, musing, preoccupation, abstraction More Synonyms of absent-minded

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent-minded in British English

adjective

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˌabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˌabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded in American English

(ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd ) or absentminded (ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd )

adjective

1.

so dreamy or lost in thought as not to pay attention to what one is doing or what is going on around one

2.

habitually forgetful

SYNONYMY NOTE: absent-minded suggests an aimless wandering of the mind away from the immediate situation, often implying a habitual tendency of this kind [the absent-minded professor]; abstracted suggests a withdrawal of the mind from the immediate present and a serious concern with some other subject; , preoccupied implies that the attention cannot be readily turned to something new because of its concern with a present matter; , distrait suggests inability to concentrate, often emphasizing such a condition as a mood; , distraught implies a similar inability to concentrate, specifically because of worry, grief, etc.; , inattentive implies a failure to pay attention, emphasizing such behavior as a lack of discipline

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˈabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˈabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded

also absentminded

adjective

Someone who is absent-minded forgets things or does not pay attention to what they are doing, often because they are thinking about something else.

In his later life he became even more absent-minded.

Synonyms: forgetful, absorbed, abstracted, vague More Synonyms of absent-minded

absent-mindedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.

absent-mindedness uncountable noun [oft with poss]

You will have to put up with Grace's absent-mindedness.

Synonyms: forgetfulness, musing, preoccupation, abstraction More Synonyms of absent-minded

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent-minded in British English

adjective

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˌabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˌabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded in American English

(ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd ) or absentminded (ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd )

adjective

1.

so dreamy or lost in thought as not to pay attention to what one is doing or what is going on around one

2.

habitually forgetful

SYNONYMY NOTE: absent-minded suggests an aimless wandering of the mind away from the immediate situation, often implying a habitual tendency of this kind [the absent-minded professor]; abstracted suggests a withdrawal of the mind from the immediate present and a serious concern with some other subject; , preoccupied implies that the attention cannot be readily turned to something new because of its concern with a present matter; , distrait suggests inability to concentrate, often emphasizing such a condition as a mood; , distraught implies a similar inability to concentrate, specifically because of worry, grief, etc.; , inattentive implies a failure to pay attention, emphasizing such behavior as a lack of discipline

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˈabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˈabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded

also absentminded

adjective

Someone who is absent-minded forgets things or does not pay attention to what they are doing, often because they are thinking about something else.

In his later life he became even more absent-minded.

Synonyms: forgetful, absorbed, abstracted, vague More Synonyms of absent-minded

absent-mindedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.

absent-mindedness uncountable noun [oft with poss]

You will have to put up with Grace's absent-mindedness.

Synonyms: forgetfulness, musing, preoccupation, abstraction More Synonyms of absent-minded

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent-minded in British English

adjective

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˌabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˌabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded in American English

(ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd ) or absentminded (ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd )

adjective

1.

so dreamy or lost in thought as not to pay attention to what one is doing or what is going on around one

2.

habitually forgetful

SYNONYMY NOTE: absent-minded suggests an aimless wandering of the mind away from the immediate situation, often implying a habitual tendency of this kind [the absent-minded professor]; abstracted suggests a withdrawal of the mind from the immediate present and a serious concern with some other subject; , preoccupied implies that the attention cannot be readily turned to something new because of its concern with a present matter; , distrait suggests inability to concentrate, often emphasizing such a condition as a mood; , distraught implies a similar inability to concentrate, specifically because of worry, grief, etc.; , inattentive implies a failure to pay attention, emphasizing such behavior as a lack of discipline

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˈabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˈabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded

also absentminded

adjective

Someone who is absent-minded forgets things or does not pay attention to what they are doing, often because they are thinking about something else.

In his later life he became even more absent-minded.

Synonyms: forgetful, absorbed, abstracted, vague More Synonyms of absent-minded

absent-mindedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.

absent-mindedness uncountable noun [oft with poss]

You will have to put up with Grace's absent-mindedness.

Synonyms: forgetfulness, musing, preoccupation, abstraction More Synonyms of absent-minded

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent-minded in British English

adjective

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˌabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˌabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded in American English

(ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd ) or absentminded (ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd )

adjective

1.

so dreamy or lost in thought as not to pay attention to what one is doing or what is going on around one

2.

habitually forgetful

SYNONYMY NOTE: absent-minded suggests an aimless wandering of the mind away from the immediate situation, often implying a habitual tendency of this kind [the absent-minded professor]; abstracted suggests a withdrawal of the mind from the immediate present and a serious concern with some other subject; , preoccupied implies that the attention cannot be readily turned to something new because of its concern with a present matter; , distrait suggests inability to concentrate, often emphasizing such a condition as a mood; , distraught implies a similar inability to concentrate, specifically because of worry, grief, etc.; , inattentive implies a failure to pay attention, emphasizing such behavior as a lack of discipline

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˈabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˈabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded

also absentminded

adjective

Someone who is absent-minded forgets things or does not pay attention to what they are doing, often because they are thinking about something else.

In his later life he became even more absent-minded.

Synonyms: forgetful, absorbed, abstracted, vague More Synonyms of absent-minded

absent-mindedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

Elizabeth absent-mindedly picked a thread from his lapel.

absent-mindedness uncountable noun [oft with poss]

You will have to put up with Grace's absent-mindedness.

Synonyms: forgetfulness, musing, preoccupation, abstraction More Synonyms of absent-minded

You may also like

Word Frequency

absent-minded in British English

adjective

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˌabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˌabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent-minded in American English

(ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd ) or absentminded (ˈæbsəntˈmaɪndɪd ; ˈæbsəntˌmaɪndɪd )

adjective

1.

so dreamy or lost in thought as not to pay attention to what one is doing or what is going on around one

2.

habitually forgetful

SYNONYMY NOTE: absent-minded suggests an aimless wandering of the mind away from the immediate situation, often implying a habitual tendency of this kind [the absent-minded professor]; abstracted suggests a withdrawal of the mind from the immediate present and a serious concern with some other subject; , preoccupied implies that the attention cannot be readily turned to something new because of its concern with a present matter; , distrait suggests inability to concentrate, often emphasizing such a condition as a mood; , distraught implies a similar inability to concentrate, specifically because of worry, grief, etc.; , inattentive implies a failure to pay attention, emphasizing such behavior as a lack of discipline

Derived forms

absent-mindedly (ˈabsent-ˈmindedly)

adverb

absent-mindedness (ˈabsent-ˈmindedness)

noun

Word Frequency

absent

(æbsənt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absents, present participle absenting, past tense, past participle absentedpronunciation note: The adjective and preposition are pronounced (æbsənt ). The verb is pronounced (æbsent ).

1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone or something is absent from a place or situation where they should be or where they usually are, they are not there.

He has been absent from his desk for two weeks. [+ from]

The pictures, too, were absent from the walls.

Evans was absent without leave from his Hong Kong-based regiment.

Synonyms: away, missing, gone, lacking More Synonyms of absent

2. adjective

If someone appears absent, they are not paying attention because they are thinking about something else.

'Nothing,' Rosie said in an absent way.

Synonyms: absent-minded, blank, unconscious, abstracted More Synonyms of absent

absently (æbsəntli ) adverb

He nodded absently.

Synonyms: distractedly, dreamily, absent-mindedly, on automatic pilot More Synonyms of absent

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An absent parent does not live with his or her children.

...absent fathers who fail to pay towards the costs of looking after their children.

4. verb

If someone absents themselves from a place where they should be or where they usually are, they do not go there or they do not stay there.

[formal]

She was old enough to absent herself from the lunch table if she chose. [V pron-refl from n]

He pleaded guilty before a court martial to absenting himself without leave. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

5. preposition

If you say that absent one thing, another thing will happen, you mean that if the first thing does not happen, the second thing will happen.

[US, formal]

Absent a solution, people like Sue Godfrey will just keep on fighting.

Video: pronunciation of
absent

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Word Frequency

absent in British English

adjective (ˈæbsənt )

1.

away or not present

2.

lacking; missing

3.

verb (æbˈsɛnt )

4. (transitive)

to remove (oneself) or keep away

Derived forms

absenter (abˈsenter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin absent-, stem of absēns, present participle of abesse to be away

Word Frequency

absent in American English

(ˈæbsənt ; for v., æbˈsɛnt ; əbsənt )

adjective

1.

not present; away

2.

not existing; lacking

3.

not attentive; absorbed in thought

verb transitive

4.

to keep (oneself) away

to absent oneself from classes

preposition US

5.

in the absence of; lacking

absent her testimony, our case is weak

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absens, prp. of abesse < ab-, away + esse, to be: see is1

Word Frequency

absinthe

(æbsɪnθ )

uncountable noun

Absinthe is a very strong alcoholic drink that is green and tastes bitter.

Image of
absinthe

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Word Frequency

absinthe in British English

or absinth (ˈæbsɪnθ )

noun

1.

a potent green alcoholic drink, technically a gin, originally having high wormwood content

2. another name for wormwood (sense 1)

Word origin

C15: via French and Latin from Greek apsinthion wormwood

Word Frequency

absinthe in American English

(ˈæbˌsɪnθ ) or ˈabsinth (ˈæbˌsɪnθ )

noun

1.

wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium) or its essence

2.

a.

a green, bitter, toxic liqueur made with wormwood oil and anise: now illegal in most countries

b.

a similar drink, as anis or pastis, made with a wormwood substitute

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absinthium < Gr apsinthion

Word Frequency

absinthe

(æbsɪnθ )

uncountable noun

Absinthe is a very strong alcoholic drink that is green and tastes bitter.

Image of
absinthe

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Word Frequency

absinthe in British English

or absinth (ˈæbsɪnθ )

noun

1.

a potent green alcoholic drink, technically a gin, originally having high wormwood content

2. another name for wormwood (sense 1)

Word origin

C15: via French and Latin from Greek apsinthion wormwood

Word Frequency

absinthe in American English

(ˈæbˌsɪnθ ) or ˈabsinth (ˈæbˌsɪnθ )

noun

1.

wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium) or its essence

2.

a.

a green, bitter, toxic liqueur made with wormwood oil and anise: now illegal in most countries

b.

a similar drink, as anis or pastis, made with a wormwood substitute

Word origin

ME < OFr < L absinthium < Gr apsinthion

absinthism in British English

(ˈæbsɪnˌθɪzəm )

noun

pathology

a diseased condition resulting from excessive drinking of absinthe

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absinthism in American English

(ˈæbsɪnθˌɪzəm ; æbˈsɪnθˌɪzəm )

noun

a diseased condition caused by drinking too much absinthe

Word Frequency

absolute

(æbsəluːt )

Word forms: plural absolutes

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute means total and complete.

It's not really suited to absolute beginners.

A sick person needs absolute confidence and trust in a doctor.

Synonyms: complete, total, perfect, entire More Synonyms of absolute

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

You use absolute to emphasize something that you are saying.

[emphasis]

About 12 inches wide is the absolute minimum you should consider.

I think it's absolute nonsense.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country.

He ruled with absolute power.

...the doctrine of absolute monarchy based upon divine right.

Synonyms: supreme, sovereign, unlimited, ultimate More Synonyms of absolute

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute is used to say that something is definite and will not change even if circumstances change.

John brought the absolute proof that we needed.

They had given an absolute assurance that it would be kept secret.

Synonyms: definite, sure, certain, positive More Synonyms of absolute

5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An amount that is expressed in absolute terms is expressed as a fixed amount rather than referring to variable factors such as what you earn or the effects of inflation.

In absolute terms British wages remain low by European standards.

6. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute rules and principles are believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.

There are no absolute rules.

...certain assumptions which are accepted without question as absolute truths.

Synonyms: universal, general, common, total More Synonyms of absolute

7. countable noun

An absolute is a rule or principle that is believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.

We tend to think in absolutes.

8. See also decree absolute

More Synonyms of absolute

Video: pronunciation of
absolute

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Word Frequency

absolute in British English

(ˈæbsəˌluːt )

adjective

1.

complete; perfect

2.

free from limitations, restrictions, or exceptions; unqualified

an absolute choice

3.

having unlimited authority; despotic

an absolute ruler

4.

undoubted; certain

the absolute truth

5.

not dependent on, conditioned by, or relative to anything else; independent

an absolute term in logic

the absolute value of a quantity in physics

6.

pure; unmixed

absolute alcohol

7.

(of a grammatical construction) syntactically independent of the main clause, as for example the construction Joking apart in the sentence Joking apart, we'd better leave now

8. grammar

(of a transitive verb) used without a direct object, as the verb intimidate in the sentence His intentions are good, but his rough manner tends to intimidate

9. grammar

(of an adjective) used as a noun, as for instance brave in the sentence Fortune favours the brave

10. physics

a. (postpositive)

(of a pressure measurement) not relative to atmospheric pressure

the pressure was 5 bar absolute

Compare gauge (sense 18)

b.

denoting absolute or thermodynamic temperature

11. mathematics

a.

(of a constant) never changing in value

b. Also: numerical

(of an inequality) unconditional

c.

(of a term) not containing a variable

12. law

(of a court order or decree) coming into effect immediately and not liable to be modified; final

decree absolute

13. law

(of a title to property, etc) not subject to any encumbrance or condition

noun

14.

something that is absolute

Word origin

C14: from Latin absolūtus unconditional, freed from, from absolvere. See absolve

Word Frequency

Absolute in British English

(ˈæbsəˌluːt )

noun (sometimes not capital)

1. philosophy

a.

the ultimate basis of reality

b.

that which is totally unconditioned, unrestricted, pure, perfect, or complete

2.

(in the philosophy of Hegel) that towards which all things evolve dialectically

Word Frequency

absolute in American English

(ˈæbsəˌlut ; ˌ æbsəˈlut )

adjective

1.

perfect; complete; whole

absolute silence

2.

not mixed; pure

absolute alcohol

3.

not limited by a constitution, parliament, etc.; unrestricted

an absolute ruler

4.

positive; definite

an absolute certainty

5.

not doubted; actual; real

an absolute truth

6.

not dependent on, or without reference to, anything else; not relative

7. Grammar

a.

forming part of a sentence, but not in the usual relations of syntax

in the sentence “The weather being good, they went,” the weather being good is an absolute construction

b.

used without an explicit object

said of a verb usually transitive, such as steal in the sentence “Thieves steal.”

c.

used alone, with the noun understood

said of a pronoun or an adjective, such as ours and brave in the sentence “Ours are the brave.”

8. Law

without condition or encumbrance

absolute ownership

9. Physics

of the absolute temperature scale

noun

10.

something that is absolute

Idioms:

the Absolute

Derived forms

absoluteness (ˈabsoˌluteness)

noun

Word origin

ME absolut < L absolutus, pp. of absolvere, to loosen from: see absolve

Word Frequency

absolute

(æbsəluːt )

Word forms: plural absolutes

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute means total and complete.

It's not really suited to absolute beginners.

A sick person needs absolute confidence and trust in a doctor.

Synonyms: complete, total, perfect, entire More Synonyms of absolute

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

You use absolute to emphasize something that you are saying.

[emphasis]

About 12 inches wide is the absolute minimum you should consider.

I think it's absolute nonsense.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country.

He ruled with absolute power.

...the doctrine of absolute monarchy based upon divine right.

Synonyms: supreme, sovereign, unlimited, ultimate More Synonyms of absolute

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute is used to say that something is definite and will not change even if circumstances change.

John brought the absolute proof that we needed.

They had given an absolute assurance that it would be kept secret.

Synonyms: definite, sure, certain, positive More Synonyms of absolute

5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An amount that is expressed in absolute terms is expressed as a fixed amount rather than referring to variable factors such as what you earn or the effects of inflation.

In absolute terms British wages remain low by European standards.

6. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute rules and principles are believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.

There are no absolute rules.

...certain assumptions which are accepted without question as absolute truths.

Synonyms: universal, general, common, total More Synonyms of absolute

7. countable noun

An absolute is a rule or principle that is believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.

We tend to think in absolutes.

8. See also decree absolute

More Synonyms of absolute

Video: pronunciation of
absolute

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Word Frequency

absolute in British English

(ˈæbsəˌluːt )

adjective

1.

complete; perfect

2.

free from limitations, restrictions, or exceptions; unqualified

an absolute choice

3.

having unlimited authority; despotic

an absolute ruler

4.

undoubted; certain

the absolute truth

5.

not dependent on, conditioned by, or relative to anything else; independent

an absolute term in logic

the absolute value of a quantity in physics

6.

pure; unmixed

absolute alcohol

7.

(of a grammatical construction) syntactically independent of the main clause, as for example the construction Joking apart in the sentence Joking apart, we'd better leave now

8. grammar

(of a transitive verb) used without a direct object, as the verb intimidate in the sentence His intentions are good, but his rough manner tends to intimidate

9. grammar

(of an adjective) used as a noun, as for instance brave in the sentence Fortune favours the brave

10. physics

a. (postpositive)

(of a pressure measurement) not relative to atmospheric pressure

the pressure was 5 bar absolute

Compare gauge (sense 18)

b.

denoting absolute or thermodynamic temperature

11. mathematics

a.

(of a constant) never changing in value

b. Also: numerical

(of an inequality) unconditional

c.

(of a term) not containing a variable

12. law

(of a court order or decree) coming into effect immediately and not liable to be modified; final

decree absolute

13. law

(of a title to property, etc) not subject to any encumbrance or condition

noun

14.

something that is absolute

Word origin

C14: from Latin absolūtus unconditional, freed from, from absolvere. See absolve

Word Frequency

Absolute in British English

(ˈæbsəˌluːt )

noun (sometimes not capital)

1. philosophy

a.

the ultimate basis of reality

b.

that which is totally unconditioned, unrestricted, pure, perfect, or complete

2.

(in the philosophy of Hegel) that towards which all things evolve dialectically

Word Frequency

absolute in American English

(ˈæbsəˌlut ; ˌ æbsəˈlut )

adjective

1.

perfect; complete; whole

absolute silence

2.

not mixed; pure

absolute alcohol

3.

not limited by a constitution, parliament, etc.; unrestricted

an absolute ruler

4.

positive; definite

an absolute certainty

5.

not doubted; actual; real

an absolute truth

6.

not dependent on, or without reference to, anything else; not relative

7. Grammar

a.

forming part of a sentence, but not in the usual relations of syntax

in the sentence “The weather being good, they went,” the weather being good is an absolute construction

b.

used without an explicit object

said of a verb usually transitive, such as steal in the sentence “Thieves steal.”

c.

used alone, with the noun understood

said of a pronoun or an adjective, such as ours and brave in the sentence “Ours are the brave.”

8. Law

without condition or encumbrance

absolute ownership

9. Physics

of the absolute temperature scale

noun

10.

something that is absolute

Idioms:

the Absolute

Derived forms

absoluteness (ˈabsoˌluteness)

noun

Word origin

ME absolut < L absolutus, pp. of absolvere, to loosen from: see absolve

Word Frequency

absolutely

(æbsəluːtli )

1. adverb [usually ADVERB adjective/adverb, oft ADVERB with verb]

Absolutely means totally and completely.

[emphasis]

Jill is absolutely right.

I absolutely refuse to get married.

There is absolutely no difference!

Synonyms: completely, totally, perfectly, quite More Synonyms of absolutely

2. adverb

Some people say absolutely as an emphatic way of saying yes or of agreeing with someone. They say absolutely not as an emphatic way of saying no or of disagreeing with someone.

[emphasis]

'It's worrying, isn't it?'—'Absolutely.'

'Did they approach you?'—'No, absolutely not.'

Synonyms: definitely, surely, certainly, clearly More Synonyms of absolutely

More Synonyms of absolutely

Video: pronunciation of
absolutely

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Word Frequency

absolutely in British English

(ˌæbsəˈluːtlɪ )

adverb

1.

in an absolute manner, esp completely or perfectly

sentence substitute

2.

yes; certainly; unquestionably

Word Frequency

absolutely in American English

(ˈæbsəˌlutli ; ˌ æbsəˈlutli )

adverb

1.

completely or unconditionally

interjection

2.

yes

used for emphasis

Word Frequency

absolute

(æbsəluːt )

Word forms: plural absolutes

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute means total and complete.

It's not really suited to absolute beginners.

A sick person needs absolute confidence and trust in a doctor.

Synonyms: complete, total, perfect, entire More Synonyms of absolute

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

You use absolute to emphasize something that you are saying.

[emphasis]

About 12 inches wide is the absolute minimum you should consider.

I think it's absolute nonsense.

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An absolute ruler has complete power and authority over his or her country.

He ruled with absolute power.

...the doctrine of absolute monarchy based upon divine right.

Synonyms: supreme, sovereign, unlimited, ultimate More Synonyms of absolute

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute is used to say that something is definite and will not change even if circumstances change.

John brought the absolute proof that we needed.

They had given an absolute assurance that it would be kept secret.

Synonyms: definite, sure, certain, positive More Synonyms of absolute

5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

An amount that is expressed in absolute terms is expressed as a fixed amount rather than referring to variable factors such as what you earn or the effects of inflation.

In absolute terms British wages remain low by European standards.

6. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Absolute rules and principles are believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.

There are no absolute rules.

...certain assumptions which are accepted without question as absolute truths.

Synonyms: universal, general, common, total More Synonyms of absolute

7. countable noun

An absolute is a rule or principle that is believed to be true, right, or relevant in all situations.

We tend to think in absolutes.

8. See also decree absolute

More Synonyms of absolute

Video: pronunciation of
absolute

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Word Frequency

absolute in British English

(ˈæbsəˌluːt )

adjective

1.

complete; perfect

2.

free from limitations, restrictions, or exceptions; unqualified

an absolute choice

3.

having unlimited authority; despotic

an absolute ruler

4.

undoubted; certain

the absolute truth

5.

not dependent on, conditioned by, or relative to anything else; independent

an absolute term in logic

the absolute value of a quantity in physics

6.

pure; unmixed

absolute alcohol

7.

(of a grammatical construction) syntactically independent of the main clause, as for example the construction Joking apart in the sentence Joking apart, we'd better leave now

8. grammar

(of a transitive verb) used without a direct object, as the verb intimidate in the sentence His intentions are good, but his rough manner tends to intimidate

9. grammar

(of an adjective) used as a noun, as for instance brave in the sentence Fortune favours the brave

10. physics

a. (postpositive)

(of a pressure measurement) not relative to atmospheric pressure

the pressure was 5 bar absolute

Compare gauge (sense 18)

b.

denoting absolute or thermodynamic temperature

11. mathematics

a.

(of a constant) never changing in value

b. Also: numerical

(of an inequality) unconditional

c.

(of a term) not containing a variable

12. law

(of a court order or decree) coming into effect immediately and not liable to be modified; final

decree absolute

13. law

(of a title to property, etc) not subject to any encumbrance or condition

noun

14.

something that is absolute

Word origin

C14: from Latin absolūtus unconditional, freed from, from absolvere. See absolve

Word Frequency

Absolute in British English

(ˈæbsəˌluːt )

noun (sometimes not capital)

1. philosophy

a.

the ultimate basis of reality

b.

that which is totally unconditioned, unrestricted, pure, perfect, or complete

2.

(in the philosophy of Hegel) that towards which all things evolve dialectically

Word Frequency

absolute in American English

(ˈæbsəˌlut ; ˌ æbsəˈlut )

adjective

1.

perfect; complete; whole

absolute silence

2.

not mixed; pure

absolute alcohol

3.

not limited by a constitution, parliament, etc.; unrestricted

an absolute ruler

4.

positive; definite

an absolute certainty

5.

not doubted; actual; real

an absolute truth

6.

not dependent on, or without reference to, anything else; not relative

7. Grammar

a.

forming part of a sentence, but not in the usual relations of syntax

in the sentence “The weather being good, they went,” the weather being good is an absolute construction

b.

used without an explicit object

said of a verb usually transitive, such as steal in the sentence “Thieves steal.”

c.

used alone, with the noun understood

said of a pronoun or an adjective, such as ours and brave in the sentence “Ours are the brave.”

8. Law

without condition or encumbrance

absolute ownership

9. Physics

of the absolute temperature scale

noun

10.

something that is absolute

Idioms:

the Absolute

Derived forms

absoluteness (ˈabsoˌluteness)

noun

Word origin

ME absolut < L absolutus, pp. of absolvere, to loosen from: see absolve

Word Frequency

absolution

(æbsəluːʃən )

uncountable noun

If someone is given absolution, they are forgiven for something wrong that they have done.

[formal]

She felt as if his words had granted her absolution.

Synonyms: forgiveness, release, freedom, liberation More Synonyms of absolution

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Word Frequency

absolution in British English

(ˌæbsəˈluːʃən )

noun

1.

the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment

2. Christianity

a.

a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance

b.

the prescribed form of words granting such a remission

Derived forms

absolutory (æbˈsɒljʊtərɪ , -trɪ)

adjective

Word origin

C12: from Latin absolūtiōn- acquittal, forgiveness of sins, from absolvere to absolve

Word Frequency

absolution in American English

(ˌæbsəˈluʃən )

noun

1.

a formal freeing (from guilt or obligation); forgiveness

2.

a.

remission (of sin or penalty for it); specif., in some churches, remission given by a priest in the sacrament of penance

b.

the statement of such remission

Word origin

ME absoluciun < OFr absolution < L absolutio < absolvere: see absolve

Word Frequency

absolution

(æbsəluːʃən )

uncountable noun

If someone is given absolution, they are forgiven for something wrong that they have done.

[formal]

She felt as if his words had granted her absolution.

Synonyms: forgiveness, release, freedom, liberation More Synonyms of absolution

You may also like

Word Frequency

absolution in British English

(ˌæbsəˈluːʃən )

noun

1.

the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment

2. Christianity

a.

a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance

b.

the prescribed form of words granting such a remission

Derived forms

absolutory (æbˈsɒljʊtərɪ , -trɪ)

adjective

Word origin

C12: from Latin absolūtiōn- acquittal, forgiveness of sins, from absolvere to absolve

Word Frequency

absolution in American English

(ˌæbsəˈluʃən )

noun

1.

a formal freeing (from guilt or obligation); forgiveness

2.

a.

remission (of sin or penalty for it); specif., in some churches, remission given by a priest in the sacrament of penance

b.

the statement of such remission

Word origin

ME absoluciun < OFr absolution < L absolutio < absolvere: see absolve

Word Frequency

absolutism

(æbsəluːtɪzəm )

1. uncountable noun

Absolutism is a political system in which one ruler or leader has complete power and authority over a country.

...royal absolutism.

2. uncountable noun

You can refer to someone's beliefs as absolutism if they think that their beliefs are true, right, or relevant in all situations, especially if you think they are wrong to behave in this way.

[disapproval]

Nirmalya, with the absolutism of youth, confronts their teacher.

absolutist adjective

This absolutist belief is replaced by an appreciation that rules can vary.

Synonyms: dictator, authoritarian, tyrant, Big Brother More Synonyms of absolutism

More Synonyms of absolutism

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Word Frequency

absolutism in British English

(ˈæbsəluːˌtɪzəm )

noun

1.

the principle or practice of a political system in which unrestricted power is vested in a monarch, dictator, etc; despotism

2. philosophy

a.

any theory which holds that truth or moral or aesthetic value is absolute and universal and not relative to individual or social differences

Compare relativism

b.

the doctrine that reality is unitary and unchanging and that change and diversity are mere illusion

3. Christianity

an uncompromising form of the doctrine of predestination

Derived forms

absolutist (ˈabsoˌlutist)

noun, adjective

Word Frequency

absolutism in American English

(ˈæbsəluˌtɪzəm )

noun

1.

the doctrine or system of government under which the ruler has unlimited powers; despotism

2.

the quality of being absolute

3. Philosophy

any doctrine involving the existence of some metaphysical or axiological principle that is absolute, or not relative

Derived forms

absolutist (ˈabsoˌlutist) (ˈæbsəˌlutɪst )

noun, adjective

absolutistic (ˌabsoluˈtistic) (ˈæbsəluˈtɪstɪk )

adjective

Word Frequency

absolutism

(æbsəluːtɪzəm )

1. uncountable noun

Absolutism is a political system in which one ruler or leader has complete power and authority over a country.

...royal absolutism.

2. uncountable noun

You can refer to someone's beliefs as absolutism if they think that their beliefs are true, right, or relevant in all situations, especially if you think they are wrong to behave in this way.

[disapproval]

Nirmalya, with the absolutism of youth, confronts their teacher.

absolutist adjective

This absolutist belief is replaced by an appreciation that rules can vary.

Synonyms: dictator, authoritarian, tyrant, Big Brother More Synonyms of absolutism

More Synonyms of absolutism

You may also like

Word Frequency

absolutism in British English

(ˈæbsəluːˌtɪzəm )

noun

1.

the principle or practice of a political system in which unrestricted power is vested in a monarch, dictator, etc; despotism

2. philosophy

a.

any theory which holds that truth or moral or aesthetic value is absolute and universal and not relative to individual or social differences

Compare relativism

b.

the doctrine that reality is unitary and unchanging and that change and diversity are mere illusion

3. Christianity

an uncompromising form of the doctrine of predestination

Derived forms

absolutist (ˈabsoˌlutist)

noun, adjective

Word Frequency

absolutism in American English

(ˈæbsəluˌtɪzəm )

noun

1.

the doctrine or system of government under which the ruler has unlimited powers; despotism

2.

the quality of being absolute

3. Philosophy

any doctrine involving the existence of some metaphysical or axiological principle that is absolute, or not relative

Derived forms

absolutist (ˈabsoˌlutist) (ˈæbsəˌlutɪst )

noun, adjective

absolutistic (ˌabsoluˈtistic) (ˈæbsəluˈtɪstɪk )

adjective

Word Frequency

absolutive in British English

(ˈæbsəˌluːtɪv)

noun

the grammatical case in an ergative language that is used for the direct object of a transitive verb and the subject of an intransitive verb

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Word Frequency

absolutive in American English

(ˈæbsəˌlutɪv )

adjective

Grammar

designating, of, or in the case that is shared by the direct object of a transitive verb and the subject of an intransitive verb in an ergative language

Word Frequency

absolutize in British English

or absolutise (ˌæbsəˈluːtaɪz)

verb (transitive)

formal

to make absolute

You may also like

Word Frequency

absolutize in American English

(ˈæbsəluˌtaɪz )

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈabsolutˌized or ˈabsolutˌizing

to make absolute; make into an absolute

Word Frequency

absolutize in American English

(ˈæbsəluːˌtaiz)

transitive verbWord forms: -ized, -izing

to render absolute; consider or declare perfect, complete, or unchangeable

Overzealous followers absolutized his theories

Also, esp. Brit.: absolutise

Word origin

[1915–20; absolute + -ize]This word is first recorded in the period 1915–20. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: GI, camouflage, conditioning, neorealism, takeout-ize is a verb-forming suffix occurring originally in loanwords from Greek that have entered English through Latin or French (baptize; barbarize; catechize); within English, -ize is added to adjectives and nouns to form transitive verbs with the general senses “to render, make” (actualize; fossilize; sterilize; Americanize), “to convert into, give a specified character or form to” (computerize; dramatize; itemize; motorize), “to subject to (as a process, sometimes named after its originator)” (hospitalize; terrorize; galvanize; oxidize; simonize; winterize). Also formed with -ize are a more heterogeneous group of verbs, usually intransitive, denoting a change of state (crystallize), kinds or instances of behavior (apologize; moralize; tyrannize), or activities (economize; philosophize; theorize)

Word Frequency

absolution

(æbsəluːʃən )

uncountable noun

If someone is given absolution, they are forgiven for something wrong that they have done.

[formal]

She felt as if his words had granted her absolution.

Synonyms: forgiveness, release, freedom, liberation More Synonyms of absolution

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Word Frequency

absolution in British English

(ˌæbsəˈluːʃən )

noun

1.

the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment

2. Christianity

a.

a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance

b.

the prescribed form of words granting such a remission

Derived forms

absolutory (æbˈsɒljʊtərɪ , -trɪ)

adjective

Word origin

C12: from Latin absolūtiōn- acquittal, forgiveness of sins, from absolvere to absolve

Word Frequency

absolution in American English

(ˌæbsəˈluʃən )

noun

1.

a formal freeing (from guilt or obligation); forgiveness

2.

a.

remission (of sin or penalty for it); specif., in some churches, remission given by a priest in the sacrament of penance

b.

the statement of such remission

Word origin

ME absoluciun < OFr absolution < L absolutio < absolvere: see absolve

Word Frequency

absolve

(æbzɒlv )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absolves , present participle absolving , past tense, past participle absolved

verb

If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame.

A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. [V n + of/from]

...the inquiry which absolved the soldiers. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: excuse, free, clear, release More Synonyms of absolve

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Word Frequency

absolve in British English

(əbˈzɒlv )

verb (transitive)

1. (usually foll by from)

to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility

2.

to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Derived forms

absolvable (abˈsolvable)

adjective

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab-1 + solvere to make loose

Word Frequency

absolve in American English

(æbˈzɑlv ; æbˈsɑlv ; æbˈzɔlv ; æbˈsɔlv ; əbˈzɑlv ; əbsɑlv ; əbˈzɔlv ; əbˈsɔlv )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsolved or abˈsolving

1.

to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit

2.

a.

to give religious absolution to

b.

to remit (a sin)

3.

to free (from a duty, promise, etc.)

SYNONYMY NOTE: absolve implies a setting free from responsibilities or obligation [absolved from her promise] or from the penalties for their violation; acquit means to release from a specific charge by a judicial decision, usually for lack of evidence; to , exonerate is to relieve of the blame for a wrongdoing; to , pardon is to release from punishment for an offense [the prisoner was pardoned by the governor]; forgive implies giving up all claim that an offense be punished as well as any resentment or vengeful feelings; to , vindicate is to clear (a person or thing under attack) through evidence of the unfairness of the charge, criticism, etc.

OPPOSITE: blame

Derived forms

absolvent (abˈsolvent)

adjective, noun

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

ME absolven < L absolvere, to loosen from < ab-, from + solvere: see solve

Word Frequency

absolve

(æbzɒlv )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absolves , present participle absolving , past tense, past participle absolved

verb

If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame.

A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. [V n + of/from]

...the inquiry which absolved the soldiers. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: excuse, free, clear, release More Synonyms of absolve

You may also like

Word Frequency

absolve in British English

(əbˈzɒlv )

verb (transitive)

1. (usually foll by from)

to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility

2.

to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Derived forms

absolvable (abˈsolvable)

adjective

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab-1 + solvere to make loose

Word Frequency

absolve in American English

(æbˈzɑlv ; æbˈsɑlv ; æbˈzɔlv ; æbˈsɔlv ; əbˈzɑlv ; əbsɑlv ; əbˈzɔlv ; əbˈsɔlv )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsolved or abˈsolving

1.

to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit

2.

a.

to give religious absolution to

b.

to remit (a sin)

3.

to free (from a duty, promise, etc.)

SYNONYMY NOTE: absolve implies a setting free from responsibilities or obligation [absolved from her promise] or from the penalties for their violation; acquit means to release from a specific charge by a judicial decision, usually for lack of evidence; to , exonerate is to relieve of the blame for a wrongdoing; to , pardon is to release from punishment for an offense [the prisoner was pardoned by the governor]; forgive implies giving up all claim that an offense be punished as well as any resentment or vengeful feelings; to , vindicate is to clear (a person or thing under attack) through evidence of the unfairness of the charge, criticism, etc.

OPPOSITE: blame

Derived forms

absolvent (abˈsolvent)

adjective, noun

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

ME absolven < L absolvere, to loosen from < ab-, from + solvere: see solve

Word Frequency

absolve

(æbzɒlv )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absolves , present participle absolving , past tense, past participle absolved

verb

If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame.

A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. [V n + of/from]

...the inquiry which absolved the soldiers. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: excuse, free, clear, release More Synonyms of absolve

You may also like

Word Frequency

absolve in British English

(əbˈzɒlv )

verb (transitive)

1. (usually foll by from)

to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility

2.

to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Derived forms

absolvable (abˈsolvable)

adjective

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab-1 + solvere to make loose

Word Frequency

absolve in American English

(æbˈzɑlv ; æbˈsɑlv ; æbˈzɔlv ; æbˈsɔlv ; əbˈzɑlv ; əbsɑlv ; əbˈzɔlv ; əbˈsɔlv )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsolved or abˈsolving

1.

to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit

2.

a.

to give religious absolution to

b.

to remit (a sin)

3.

to free (from a duty, promise, etc.)

SYNONYMY NOTE: absolve implies a setting free from responsibilities or obligation [absolved from her promise] or from the penalties for their violation; acquit means to release from a specific charge by a judicial decision, usually for lack of evidence; to , exonerate is to relieve of the blame for a wrongdoing; to , pardon is to release from punishment for an offense [the prisoner was pardoned by the governor]; forgive implies giving up all claim that an offense be punished as well as any resentment or vengeful feelings; to , vindicate is to clear (a person or thing under attack) through evidence of the unfairness of the charge, criticism, etc.

OPPOSITE: blame

Derived forms

absolvent (abˈsolvent)

adjective, noun

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

ME absolven < L absolvere, to loosen from < ab-, from + solvere: see solve

Word Frequency

absolve

(æbzɒlv )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absolves , present participle absolving , past tense, past participle absolved

verb

If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame.

A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. [V n + of/from]

...the inquiry which absolved the soldiers. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: excuse, free, clear, release More Synonyms of absolve

You may also like

Word Frequency

absolve in British English

(əbˈzɒlv )

verb (transitive)

1. (usually foll by from)

to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility

2.

to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Derived forms

absolvable (abˈsolvable)

adjective

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab-1 + solvere to make loose

Word Frequency

absolve in American English

(æbˈzɑlv ; æbˈsɑlv ; æbˈzɔlv ; æbˈsɔlv ; əbˈzɑlv ; əbsɑlv ; əbˈzɔlv ; əbˈsɔlv )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsolved or abˈsolving

1.

to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit

2.

a.

to give religious absolution to

b.

to remit (a sin)

3.

to free (from a duty, promise, etc.)

SYNONYMY NOTE: absolve implies a setting free from responsibilities or obligation [absolved from her promise] or from the penalties for their violation; acquit means to release from a specific charge by a judicial decision, usually for lack of evidence; to , exonerate is to relieve of the blame for a wrongdoing; to , pardon is to release from punishment for an offense [the prisoner was pardoned by the governor]; forgive implies giving up all claim that an offense be punished as well as any resentment or vengeful feelings; to , vindicate is to clear (a person or thing under attack) through evidence of the unfairness of the charge, criticism, etc.

OPPOSITE: blame

Derived forms

absolvent (abˈsolvent)

adjective, noun

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

ME absolven < L absolvere, to loosen from < ab-, from + solvere: see solve

Word Frequency

absolve

(æbzɒlv )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absolves , present participle absolving , past tense, past participle absolved

verb

If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame.

A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. [V n + of/from]

...the inquiry which absolved the soldiers. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: excuse, free, clear, release More Synonyms of absolve

You may also like

Word Frequency

absolve in British English

(əbˈzɒlv )

verb (transitive)

1. (usually foll by from)

to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility

2.

to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Derived forms

absolvable (abˈsolvable)

adjective

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab-1 + solvere to make loose

Word Frequency

absolve in American English

(æbˈzɑlv ; æbˈsɑlv ; æbˈzɔlv ; æbˈsɔlv ; əbˈzɑlv ; əbsɑlv ; əbˈzɔlv ; əbˈsɔlv )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsolved or abˈsolving

1.

to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit

2.

a.

to give religious absolution to

b.

to remit (a sin)

3.

to free (from a duty, promise, etc.)

SYNONYMY NOTE: absolve implies a setting free from responsibilities or obligation [absolved from her promise] or from the penalties for their violation; acquit means to release from a specific charge by a judicial decision, usually for lack of evidence; to , exonerate is to relieve of the blame for a wrongdoing; to , pardon is to release from punishment for an offense [the prisoner was pardoned by the governor]; forgive implies giving up all claim that an offense be punished as well as any resentment or vengeful feelings; to , vindicate is to clear (a person or thing under attack) through evidence of the unfairness of the charge, criticism, etc.

OPPOSITE: blame

Derived forms

absolvent (abˈsolvent)

adjective, noun

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

ME absolven < L absolvere, to loosen from < ab-, from + solvere: see solve

Word Frequency

absolve

(æbzɒlv )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absolves , present participle absolving , past tense, past participle absolved

verb

If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame.

A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. [V n + of/from]

...the inquiry which absolved the soldiers. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: excuse, free, clear, release More Synonyms of absolve

You may also like

Word Frequency

absolve in British English

(əbˈzɒlv )

verb (transitive)

1. (usually foll by from)

to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility

2.

to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Derived forms

absolvable (abˈsolvable)

adjective

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab-1 + solvere to make loose

Word Frequency

absolve in American English

(æbˈzɑlv ; æbˈsɑlv ; æbˈzɔlv ; æbˈsɔlv ; əbˈzɑlv ; əbsɑlv ; əbˈzɔlv ; əbˈsɔlv )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsolved or abˈsolving

1.

to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit

2.

a.

to give religious absolution to

b.

to remit (a sin)

3.

to free (from a duty, promise, etc.)

SYNONYMY NOTE: absolve implies a setting free from responsibilities or obligation [absolved from her promise] or from the penalties for their violation; acquit means to release from a specific charge by a judicial decision, usually for lack of evidence; to , exonerate is to relieve of the blame for a wrongdoing; to , pardon is to release from punishment for an offense [the prisoner was pardoned by the governor]; forgive implies giving up all claim that an offense be punished as well as any resentment or vengeful feelings; to , vindicate is to clear (a person or thing under attack) through evidence of the unfairness of the charge, criticism, etc.

OPPOSITE: blame

Derived forms

absolvent (abˈsolvent)

adjective, noun

absolver (abˈsolver)

noun

Word origin

ME absolven < L absolvere, to loosen from < ab-, from + solvere: see solve

Word Frequency

absonant in British English

(ˈæbsənənt)

adjective formal

1.

inharmonious

2.

unnatural or unreasonable

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Word Frequency

absonant in American English

(ˈæbsənənt)

adjective

(usually fol. by from or to)

dissonant; discordant

behavior that is absonant to nature

Word origin

[1555–65; ab- + -sonant, as in consonant, dissonant]This word is first recorded in the period 1555–65. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: diabetes, incompatible, module, probe, pulpab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

absorb

(əbzɔːʳb )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absorbs , present participle absorbing , past tense, past participle absorbed

1. verb

If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil. [VERB noun]

Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: soak up, drink in, devour, suck up More Synonyms of absorb

2. verb

If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in.

The dark material absorbs light and warms up. [VERB noun]

3. verb

If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group.

The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office. [be VERB-ed + into]

...an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: assimilate, take in, incorporate, accommodate More Synonyms of absorb

4. verb

If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect.

...footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: cushion, suppress, soften, pillow More Synonyms of absorb

5. verb

If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them.

The banks would be forced to absorb large losses. [VERB noun]

We can't absorb those costs. [VERB noun]

6. verb

If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it.

It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment. [VERB noun]

It might help if campaigning didn't absorb so much time and money. [VERB noun]

7. verb

If you absorb information, you learn and understand it.

Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual. [VERB noun]

We closed our offices at 2:00 p.m. to give employees time to absorb the bad news. [VERB noun]

8. verb

If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.

...a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting ever had. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: engross, hold, involve, fill More Synonyms of absorb

9. See also absorbed, absorbing

Video: pronunciation of
absorb

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Word Frequency

absorb in British English

(əbˈsɔːb , -ˈzɔːb)

verb (transitive)

1.

to soak or suck up (liquids)

2.

to engage or occupy (the interest, attention, or time) of (someone); engross

3.

to receive or take in (the energy of an impact)

4. physics

to take in (all or part of incident radiated energy) and retain the part that is not reflected or transmitted

5.

to take in or assimilate; incorporate

6.

to accept and find a market for (goods, etc)

7.

to pay for as part of a commercial transaction

the distributor absorbed the cost of transport

8. chemistry

to cause to undergo a process in which one substance, usually a liquid or gas, permeates into or is dissolved by a liquid or solid

porous solids absorb water

hydrochloric acid absorbs carbon dioxide

Compare adsorb

Derived forms

absorbability (abˌsorbaˈbility)

noun

absorbable (abˈsorbable)

adjective

Word origin

C15: via Old French from Latin absorbēre to suck, swallow, from ab-1 + sorbēre to suck

Word Frequency

absorb in American English

(æbˈsɔrb ; æbˈzɔrb ; əbˈsɔrb )

verb transitive

1.

to suck up

blotting paper absorbs ink

2.

to take up the full attention or energy of; engross

3.

to take in and incorporate; assimilate

4.

to assume the burden of (costs or expenses)

5.

to take in (a shock or jolt) with little or no recoil or reaction

6.

to take in and not reflect (light, sound, etc.)

Derived forms

absorbability (abˌsorbaˈbility)

noun

absorbable (abˈsorbable)

adjective

absorber (abˈsorber)

noun

Word origin

L absorbere < ab-, from + sorbere, to suck in: see slurp

Word Frequency

absorb

(əbzɔːʳb )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absorbs , present participle absorbing , past tense, past participle absorbed

1. verb

If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil. [VERB noun]

Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: soak up, drink in, devour, suck up More Synonyms of absorb

2. verb

If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in.

The dark material absorbs light and warms up. [VERB noun]

3. verb

If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group.

The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office. [be VERB-ed + into]

...an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: assimilate, take in, incorporate, accommodate More Synonyms of absorb

4. verb

If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect.

...footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: cushion, suppress, soften, pillow More Synonyms of absorb

5. verb

If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them.

The banks would be forced to absorb large losses. [VERB noun]

We can't absorb those costs. [VERB noun]

6. verb

If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it.

It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment. [VERB noun]

It might help if campaigning didn't absorb so much time and money. [VERB noun]

7. verb

If you absorb information, you learn and understand it.

Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual. [VERB noun]

We closed our offices at 2:00 p.m. to give employees time to absorb the bad news. [VERB noun]

8. verb

If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.

...a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting ever had. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: engross, hold, involve, fill More Synonyms of absorb

9. See also absorbed, absorbing

Video: pronunciation of
absorb

You may also like

Word Frequency

absorb in British English

(əbˈsɔːb , -ˈzɔːb)

verb (transitive)

1.

to soak or suck up (liquids)

2.

to engage or occupy (the interest, attention, or time) of (someone); engross

3.

to receive or take in (the energy of an impact)

4. physics

to take in (all or part of incident radiated energy) and retain the part that is not reflected or transmitted

5.

to take in or assimilate; incorporate

6.

to accept and find a market for (goods, etc)

7.

to pay for as part of a commercial transaction

the distributor absorbed the cost of transport

8. chemistry

to cause to undergo a process in which one substance, usually a liquid or gas, permeates into or is dissolved by a liquid or solid

porous solids absorb water

hydrochloric acid absorbs carbon dioxide

Compare adsorb

Derived forms

absorbability (abˌsorbaˈbility)

noun

absorbable (abˈsorbable)

adjective

Word origin

C15: via Old French from Latin absorbēre to suck, swallow, from ab-1 + sorbēre to suck

Word Frequency

absorb in American English

(æbˈsɔrb ; æbˈzɔrb ; əbˈsɔrb )

verb transitive

1.

to suck up

blotting paper absorbs ink

2.

to take up the full attention or energy of; engross

3.

to take in and incorporate; assimilate

4.

to assume the burden of (costs or expenses)

5.

to take in (a shock or jolt) with little or no recoil or reaction

6.

to take in and not reflect (light, sound, etc.)

Derived forms

absorbability (abˌsorbaˈbility)

noun

absorbable (abˈsorbable)

adjective

absorber (abˈsorber)

noun

Word origin

L absorbere < ab-, from + sorbere, to suck in: see slurp

Word Frequency

absorb

(əbzɔːʳb )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absorbs , present participle absorbing , past tense, past participle absorbed

1. verb

If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil. [VERB noun]

Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: soak up, drink in, devour, suck up More Synonyms of absorb

2. verb

If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in.

The dark material absorbs light and warms up. [VERB noun]

3. verb

If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group.

The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office. [be VERB-ed + into]

...an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: assimilate, take in, incorporate, accommodate More Synonyms of absorb

4. verb

If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect.

...footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: cushion, suppress, soften, pillow More Synonyms of absorb

5. verb

If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them.

The banks would be forced to absorb large losses. [VERB noun]

We can't absorb those costs. [VERB noun]

6. verb

If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it.

It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment. [VERB noun]

It might help if campaigning didn't absorb so much time and money. [VERB noun]

7. verb

If you absorb information, you learn and understand it.

Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual. [VERB noun]

We closed our offices at 2:00 p.m. to give employees time to absorb the bad news. [VERB noun]

8. verb

If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.

...a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting ever had. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: engross, hold, involve, fill More Synonyms of absorb

9. See also absorbed, absorbing

Video: pronunciation of
absorb

You may also like

Word Frequency

absorb in British English

(əbˈsɔːb , -ˈzɔːb)

verb (transitive)

1.

to soak or suck up (liquids)

2.

to engage or occupy (the interest, attention, or time) of (someone); engross

3.

to receive or take in (the energy of an impact)

4. physics

to take in (all or part of incident radiated energy) and retain the part that is not reflected or transmitted

5.

to take in or assimilate; incorporate

6.

to accept and find a market for (goods, etc)

7.

to pay for as part of a commercial transaction

the distributor absorbed the cost of transport

8. chemistry

to cause to undergo a process in which one substance, usually a liquid or gas, permeates into or is dissolved by a liquid or solid

porous solids absorb water

hydrochloric acid absorbs carbon dioxide

Compare adsorb

Derived forms

absorbability (abˌsorbaˈbility)

noun

absorbable (abˈsorbable)

adjective

Word origin

C15: via Old French from Latin absorbēre to suck, swallow, from ab-1 + sorbēre to suck

Word Frequency

absorb in American English

(æbˈsɔrb ; æbˈzɔrb ; əbˈsɔrb )

verb transitive

1.

to suck up

blotting paper absorbs ink

2.

to take up the full attention or energy of; engross

3.

to take in and incorporate; assimilate

4.

to assume the burden of (costs or expenses)

5.

to take in (a shock or jolt) with little or no recoil or reaction

6.

to take in and not reflect (light, sound, etc.)

Derived forms

absorbability (abˌsorbaˈbility)

noun

absorbable (abˈsorbable)

adjective

absorber (abˈsorber)

noun

Word origin

L absorbere < ab-, from + sorbere, to suck in: see slurp

Word Frequency

absorbance in British English

(əbˈsɔːbəns , -ˈzɔː-)

noun

physics

a measure of the light-absorbing ability of an object, expressed as the logarithm to base 10 of the reciprocal of the internal transmittance

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Word Frequency

absorbance in American English

(æbˈsɔrbəns, -ˈzɔr-)

noun

Physics

the capacity of a substance to absorb radiation, expressed as the common logarithm of the reciprocal of the transmittance of the substance

Also: absorbancy

Word origin

[1945–50; absorb(ent) + -ance]This word is first recorded in the period 1945–50. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: RNA, ergative, individual medley, poison pill, synchronized swimming-ance is a suffix used to form nouns either from adjectives in -ant or from verbs. Other words that use the affix -ance include: acceptance, compliance, dominance, guidance, resonance

Word Frequency

absorbed

(əbzɔːʳbd )

adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If you are absorbed in something or someone, you are very interested in them and they take up all your attention and energy.

They were completely absorbed in each other. [+ in/by]

He had discovered politics and was rapidly becoming absorbed by it. [+ in/by]

I get so absorbed in doing something that I am unaware of things happening round me. [+ in/by]

Synonyms: engrossed, lost, involved, fixed More Synonyms of absorbed

More Synonyms of absorbed

Video: pronunciation of
absorbed

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Word Frequency

absorbed in British English

(əbˈsɔːbd , -ˈzɔːbd)

adjective

engrossed; deeply interested

Derived forms

absorbedly (əbˈsɔːbɪdlɪ , -ˈzɔː-)

adverb

Word Frequency

absorbed in American English

(æbˈsɔrbd ; əbˈsɔrbd ; æbˈzɔrbd ; əbˈzɔrbd )

adjective

1.

taken in, sucked up, assimilated, etc.

2.

greatly interested; wholly occupied

absorbed in reading

Word Frequency

absorbed

(əbzɔːʳbd )

adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If you are absorbed in something or someone, you are very interested in them and they take up all your attention and energy.

They were completely absorbed in each other. [+ in/by]

He had discovered politics and was rapidly becoming absorbed by it. [+ in/by]

I get so absorbed in doing something that I am unaware of things happening round me. [+ in/by]

Synonyms: engrossed, lost, involved, fixed More Synonyms of absorbed

More Synonyms of absorbed

Video: pronunciation of
absorbed

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Word Frequency

absorbed in British English

(əbˈsɔːbd , -ˈzɔːbd)

adjective

engrossed; deeply interested

Derived forms

absorbedly (əbˈsɔːbɪdlɪ , -ˈzɔː-)

adverb

Word Frequency

absorbed in American English

(æbˈsɔrbd ; əbˈsɔrbd ; æbˈzɔrbd ; əbˈzɔrbd )

adjective

1.

taken in, sucked up, assimilated, etc.

2.

greatly interested; wholly occupied

absorbed in reading

absorbefacient in British English

(əbˌsɔːbɪˈfeɪʃənt , -ˌzɔː-) medicine

noun

1.

a medicine or other agent that promotes absorption

adjective

2.

causing or promoting absorption

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absorbefacient in American English

(æbˌsɔrbəˈfeiʃənt, -ˌzɔr-)

adjective

causing absorption

Word origin

[1870–75; absorb + -e- (as in liquefy, liquefaction) + -facient]This word is first recorded in the period 1870–75. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: asymmetric, billing, fifth wheel, linkage, washout

Word Frequency

absorbent

(əbzɔːʳbənt )

adjective

Absorbent material soaks up liquid easily.

The towels are highly absorbent.

Synonyms: porous, receptive, imbibing, spongy More Synonyms of absorbent

absorbency (əbzɔːʳbənsi ) uncountable noun

You can use two nappies for extra absorbency at night.

Synonyms: permeability, receptiveness, retentiveness, ability to soak up or take in More Synonyms of absorbent

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Word Frequency

absorbent in British English

or absorbant (əbˈsɔːbənt , -ˈzɔː-)

adjective

1.

able to absorb

noun

2.

a substance that absorbs

Derived forms

absorbency (abˈsorbency)

noun

Word Frequency

absorbent in American English

(æbˈsɔrbənt ; ˈæbˈzɔrbənt ; əbˈsɔrbənt ; əbˈzɔrbɛnt )

adjective

1.

capable of absorbing moisture, light rays, etc.

noun

2.

a thing or substance that absorbs

Derived forms

absorbency (abˈsorbency)

noun

Word origin

L absorbens, prp. of absorbere: see absorb

Word Frequency

absorber

(əbzɔːʳbəʳ )

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Word Frequency

absorber in British English

(əbˈsɔːbə , -ˈzɔː-)

noun

1.

a person or thing that absorbs

2. physics

a material that absorbs radiation or causes it to lose energy

Word Frequency

absorber in Chemical Engineering

(əbsɔrbər)

Word forms: (regular plural) absorbers

noun

(Chemical Engineering: Distillation)

An absorber is a vessel in which liquid is absorbed during distillation.

An absorber extracts a substance from a gas by absorbing the substance into a liquid.

Absorbers are typically tall cylinders in which the liquid flows down and gas bubbles upward.

An absorber is a vessel in which liquid is absorbed during distillation.

Word Frequency

absorber

(əbzɔːʳbəʳ )

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Word Frequency

absorber in British English

(əbˈsɔːbə , -ˈzɔː-)

noun

1.

a person or thing that absorbs

2. physics

a material that absorbs radiation or causes it to lose energy

Word Frequency

absorber in Chemical Engineering

(əbsɔrbər)

Word forms: (regular plural) absorbers

noun

(Chemical Engineering: Distillation)

An absorber is a vessel in which liquid is absorbed during distillation.

An absorber extracts a substance from a gas by absorbing the substance into a liquid.

Absorbers are typically tall cylinders in which the liquid flows down and gas bubbles upward.

An absorber is a vessel in which liquid is absorbed during distillation.

Word Frequency

absorbing

(əbzɔːʳbɪŋ )

adjective

An absorbing task or activity interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.

'Two Sisters' is an absorbing read.

Children will find other exhibits equally absorbing.

Synonyms: fascinating, interesting, engaging, gripping More Synonyms of absorbing

Video: pronunciation of
absorbing

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Word Frequency

absorbing in British English

(əbˈsɔːbɪŋ , -ˈzɔːb-)

adjective

occupying one's interest or attention; engrossing; gripping

Derived forms

absorbingly (abˈsorbingly)

adverb

Word Frequency

absorbing in American English

(æbˈsɔrbɪŋ ; æbˈzɔrbɪŋ ; əbˈsɔrbɪŋ ; əbˈzɔrbɪŋ )

adjective

very interesting; engrossing

an absorbing tale

Derived forms

absorbingly (abˈsorbingly)

adverb

Word Frequency

absorbing

(əbzɔːʳbɪŋ )

adjective

An absorbing task or activity interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.

'Two Sisters' is an absorbing read.

Children will find other exhibits equally absorbing.

Synonyms: fascinating, interesting, engaging, gripping More Synonyms of absorbing

Video: pronunciation of
absorbing

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Word Frequency

absorbing in British English

(əbˈsɔːbɪŋ , -ˈzɔːb-)

adjective

occupying one's interest or attention; engrossing; gripping

Derived forms

absorbingly (abˈsorbingly)

adverb

Word Frequency

absorbing in American English

(æbˈsɔrbɪŋ ; æbˈzɔrbɪŋ ; əbˈsɔrbɪŋ ; əbˈzɔrbɪŋ )

adjective

very interesting; engrossing

an absorbing tale

Derived forms

absorbingly (abˈsorbingly)

adverb

Word Frequency

absorb

(əbzɔːʳb )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense absorbs , present participle absorbing , past tense, past participle absorbed

1. verb

If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil. [VERB noun]

Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: soak up, drink in, devour, suck up More Synonyms of absorb

2. verb

If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in.

The dark material absorbs light and warms up. [VERB noun]

3. verb

If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group.

The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office. [be VERB-ed + into]

...an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: assimilate, take in, incorporate, accommodate More Synonyms of absorb

4. verb

If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect.

...footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: cushion, suppress, soften, pillow More Synonyms of absorb

5. verb

If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them.

The banks would be forced to absorb large losses. [VERB noun]

We can't absorb those costs. [VERB noun]

6. verb

If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it.

It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment. [VERB noun]

It might help if campaigning didn't absorb so much time and money. [VERB noun]

7. verb

If you absorb information, you learn and understand it.

Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual. [VERB noun]

We closed our offices at 2:00 p.m. to give employees time to absorb the bad news. [VERB noun]

8. verb

If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.

...a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting ever had. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: engross, hold, involve, fill More Synonyms of absorb

9. See also absorbed, absorbing

Video: pronunciation of
absorb

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Word Frequency

absorb in British English

(əbˈsɔːb , -ˈzɔːb)

verb (transitive)

1.

to soak or suck up (liquids)

2.

to engage or occupy (the interest, attention, or time) of (someone); engross

3.

to receive or take in (the energy of an impact)

4. physics

to take in (all or part of incident radiated energy) and retain the part that is not reflected or transmitted

5.

to take in or assimilate; incorporate

6.

to accept and find a market for (goods, etc)

7.

to pay for as part of a commercial transaction

the distributor absorbed the cost of transport

8. chemistry

to cause to undergo a process in which one substance, usually a liquid or gas, permeates into or is dissolved by a liquid or solid

porous solids absorb water

hydrochloric acid absorbs carbon dioxide

Compare adsorb

Derived forms

absorbability (abˌsorbaˈbility)

noun

absorbable (abˈsorbable)

adjective

Word origin

C15: via Old French from Latin absorbēre to suck, swallow, from ab-1 + sorbēre to suck

Word Frequency

absorb in American English

(æbˈsɔrb ; æbˈzɔrb ; əbˈsɔrb )

verb transitive

1.

to suck up

blotting paper absorbs ink

2.

to take up the full attention or energy of; engross

3.

to take in and incorporate; assimilate

4.

to assume the burden of (costs or expenses)

5.

to take in (a shock or jolt) with little or no recoil or reaction

6.

to take in and not reflect (light, sound, etc.)

Derived forms

absorbability (abˌsorbaˈbility)

noun

absorbable (abˈsorbable)

adjective

absorber (abˈsorber)

noun

Word origin

L absorbere < ab-, from + sorbere, to suck in: see slurp

Word Frequency

absorptiometer in British English

(əbˌsɔːpʃɪˈɒmɪtə)

noun

1. physics

an instrument that measures absorption of light, esp by a solution

2. chemistry

(formerly) an instrument that measures the solubility of gases in various liquids

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Word Frequency

absorptiometer in American English

(æbˌsɔrpʃiˈɑmɪtər, -ˌzɔrp-)

noun

a photoelectric instrument for measuring the concentration of a substance, as a transparent solution, by its absorption of monochromatic light

Derived forms

absorptiometric (æbˌsɔrpʃiəˈmetrɪk, -ˌzɔrp-)

adjective

Word origin

[1875–80; absorpti(on) + -o- + -meter]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: massage, musical chairs, slime mold, weekend, weekender-o- is the typical ending of the first element of compounds of Greek origin (as -i- is, in compounds of Latin origin), used regularly in forming new compounds with elements of Greek origin and often used in English as a connective irrespective of etymology (Franco-Italian; geography; seriocomic; speedometer); -meter is a combining form meaning “measure,” used in the names of instruments measuring quantity, extent, degree, etc. Other words that use the affix -meter include: chronometer, interferometer, micrometer, radiometer, telemeter

Word Frequency

absorptiometer in British English

(əbˌsɔːpʃɪˈɒmɪtə)

noun

1. physics

an instrument that measures absorption of light, esp by a solution

2. chemistry

(formerly) an instrument that measures the solubility of gases in various liquids

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Word Frequency

absorptiometer in American English

(æbˌsɔrpʃiˈɑmɪtər, -ˌzɔrp-)

noun

a photoelectric instrument for measuring the concentration of a substance, as a transparent solution, by its absorption of monochromatic light

Derived forms

absorptiometric (æbˌsɔrpʃiəˈmetrɪk, -ˌzɔrp-)

adjective

Word origin

[1875–80; absorpti(on) + -o- + -meter]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: massage, musical chairs, slime mold, weekend, weekender-o- is the typical ending of the first element of compounds of Greek origin (as -i- is, in compounds of Latin origin), used regularly in forming new compounds with elements of Greek origin and often used in English as a connective irrespective of etymology (Franco-Italian; geography; seriocomic; speedometer); -meter is a combining form meaning “measure,” used in the names of instruments measuring quantity, extent, degree, etc. Other words that use the affix -meter include: chronometer, interferometer, micrometer, radiometer, telemeter

Word Frequency

absorption

(əbzɔːʳpʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The absorption of a liquid, gas, or other substance is the process of it being soaked up or taken in.

This controls the absorption of liquids.

Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron from food. [+ of]

Synonyms: soaking up, consumption, digestion, sucking up More Synonyms of absorption

2. uncountable noun [usually with poss]

The absorption of a group into a larger group is the process of it becoming part of the larger group.

Two new camps were readied for the absorption of refugees.

Synonyms: assimilation, integration, inclusion, fusion More Synonyms of absorption

3. uncountable noun [poss N in/with n]

Someone's absorption in something is the fact that they are very interested in it and that it takes up all their attention and energy.

He was struck by the artists' total absorption in their work.

Synonyms: immersion, holding, involvement, concentration More Synonyms of absorption

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Word Frequency

absorption in British English

(əbˈsɔːpʃən , -ˈzɔːp-)

noun

1.

the process of absorbing or the state of being absorbed

2. physiology

a.

normal assimilation by the tissues of the products of digestion

b.

the passage of a gas, fluid, drug, etc, through the mucous membranes or skin

3. physics

a reduction of the intensity of any form of radiated energy as a result of energy conversion in a medium, such as the conversion of sound energy into heat

4. immunology

the process of removing superfluous antibodies or antigens from a mixture using a reagent

Derived forms

absorptive (abˈsorptive)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin absorptiōn-, from absorbēre to absorb

Word Frequency

absorption in American English

(æbˈsɔrpʃən ; æbˈzɔrpʃən ; əbˈzɔrpʃən ; əbˈsɔrpʃən )

noun

1.

an absorbing or being absorbed

2.

the fact or state of being much interested or engrossed

3. Biology

the passing of nutrient material, medication, etc. into or through tissues, as the intestinal walls, the blood, etc.

4. Physics

a.

a taking in and not reflecting, as of radiant energy

b.

partial loss in energy of light, radio waves, etc. passing through a medium

Derived forms

absorptive (abˈsorptive) (æbˈsɔrptɪv ; æbˈzɔrptɪv ; æbˈzɔrptɪv ; ɛbˈsɔrptɪv ; ɛbˈzɔrptɪv )

adjective

Word origin

L absorptio < absorbere: see absorb

Word Frequency

absorption in Chemical Engineering

(əbsɔrpʃən)

noun

(Chemical Engineering: Distillation)

Absorption is a method of separating a liquid from the vapor which it is trapped in.

Absorption can be used to separate different components in a liquid phase from other components.

The removal of one or more selected components from a mixture of gases by absorption into a suitable solvent is one of the common operations of chemical engineering.

Absorption is a method of separating a liquid from the vapor which it is trapped in.

Word Frequency

absorption in the Pharmaceutical Industry

(əbsɔrpʃən)

noun

(Pharmaceutical: Physiology)

Absorption is the process by which substances are taken into a tissue, for example, nutrients through the wall of the intestine.

The absorption of nutrients takes place in sections of the small intestine.

A topical application involves the absorption of a drug through the skin.

Absorption is the process by which substances are taken into a tissue, for example, nutrients through the wall of the intestine.

Word Frequency

absorption

(əbzɔːʳpʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The absorption of a liquid, gas, or other substance is the process of it being soaked up or taken in.

This controls the absorption of liquids.

Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron from food. [+ of]

Synonyms: soaking up, consumption, digestion, sucking up More Synonyms of absorption

2. uncountable noun [usually with poss]

The absorption of a group into a larger group is the process of it becoming part of the larger group.

Two new camps were readied for the absorption of refugees.

Synonyms: assimilation, integration, inclusion, fusion More Synonyms of absorption

3. uncountable noun [poss N in/with n]

Someone's absorption in something is the fact that they are very interested in it and that it takes up all their attention and energy.

He was struck by the artists' total absorption in their work.

Synonyms: immersion, holding, involvement, concentration More Synonyms of absorption

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Word Frequency

absorption in British English

(əbˈsɔːpʃən , -ˈzɔːp-)

noun

1.

the process of absorbing or the state of being absorbed

2. physiology

a.

normal assimilation by the tissues of the products of digestion

b.

the passage of a gas, fluid, drug, etc, through the mucous membranes or skin

3. physics

a reduction of the intensity of any form of radiated energy as a result of energy conversion in a medium, such as the conversion of sound energy into heat

4. immunology

the process of removing superfluous antibodies or antigens from a mixture using a reagent

Derived forms

absorptive (abˈsorptive)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin absorptiōn-, from absorbēre to absorb

Word Frequency

absorption in American English

(æbˈsɔrpʃən ; æbˈzɔrpʃən ; əbˈzɔrpʃən ; əbˈsɔrpʃən )

noun

1.

an absorbing or being absorbed

2.

the fact or state of being much interested or engrossed

3. Biology

the passing of nutrient material, medication, etc. into or through tissues, as the intestinal walls, the blood, etc.

4. Physics

a.

a taking in and not reflecting, as of radiant energy

b.

partial loss in energy of light, radio waves, etc. passing through a medium

Derived forms

absorptive (abˈsorptive) (æbˈsɔrptɪv ; æbˈzɔrptɪv ; æbˈzɔrptɪv ; ɛbˈsɔrptɪv ; ɛbˈzɔrptɪv )

adjective

Word origin

L absorptio < absorbere: see absorb

Word Frequency

absorption in Chemical Engineering

(əbsɔrpʃən)

noun

(Chemical Engineering: Distillation)

Absorption is a method of separating a liquid from the vapor which it is trapped in.

Absorption can be used to separate different components in a liquid phase from other components.

The removal of one or more selected components from a mixture of gases by absorption into a suitable solvent is one of the common operations of chemical engineering.

Absorption is a method of separating a liquid from the vapor which it is trapped in.

Word Frequency

absorption in the Pharmaceutical Industry

(əbsɔrpʃən)

noun

(Pharmaceutical: Physiology)

Absorption is the process by which substances are taken into a tissue, for example, nutrients through the wall of the intestine.

The absorption of nutrients takes place in sections of the small intestine.

A topical application involves the absorption of a drug through the skin.

Absorption is the process by which substances are taken into a tissue, for example, nutrients through the wall of the intestine.

Word Frequency

absorptivity in British English

(ˌæbsɔːpˈtɪvɪtɪ , -zɔːp-)

noun

physics

a measure of the ability of a material to absorb radiation, equal to the internal absorptance of a homogeneous layer of the material under conditions in which the path of the radiation has unit length and the boundaries of the layer have no influence

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Word Frequency

absorptivity in American English

(ˈæbsɔrpˈtɪvɪti, -zɔrp-)

noun

Physics

the property of a body that determines the fraction of incident radiation absorbed or absorbable by the body

Word origin

[1860–65; absorptive + -ity]This word is first recorded in the period 1860–65. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: calibrate, metric system, mutualism, pop-up, raider-ity is a suffix used to form abstract nouns expressing state or condition. Other words that use the affix -ity include: Latinity, civility, jollity

Word Frequency

absquatulate in British English

(æbˈskwɒtjʊˌleɪt )

verb

(intransitive)

to leave; decamp

Word origin

C19: humorous formation as if from Latin

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Word Frequency

absquatulate in American English

(æbˈskwɑtʃəˌleit)

intransitive verbWord forms: -lated, -lating

slang

to flee; abscond

The old prospector absquatulated with our picks and shovel

Derived forms

absquatulater

noun

absquatulation

noun

Word origin

[1820–30; pseudo-Latinism, from ab-, squat, and -ulate, paralleling Latin-derived words with initial abs- (e.g., abscond, abstention) and final -tulate (e.g., congratulate)]This word is first recorded in the period 1820–30. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogue, blouse, karma, morphology, mythab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

absquatulate in British English

(æbˈskwɒtjʊˌleɪt )

verb

(intransitive)

to leave; decamp

Word origin

C19: humorous formation as if from Latin

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Word Frequency

absquatulate in American English

(æbˈskwɑtʃəˌleit)

intransitive verbWord forms: -lated, -lating

slang

to flee; abscond

The old prospector absquatulated with our picks and shovel

Derived forms

absquatulater

noun

absquatulation

noun

Word origin

[1820–30; pseudo-Latinism, from ab-, squat, and -ulate, paralleling Latin-derived words with initial abs- (e.g., abscond, abstention) and final -tulate (e.g., congratulate)]This word is first recorded in the period 1820–30. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: analogue, blouse, karma, morphology, mythab- is a formal element occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “away from”. Other words that use the affix ab- include: abdicate, abolition

Word Frequency

abstain

(æbsteɪn )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abstains , present participle abstaining , past tense, past participle abstained

1. verb

If you abstain from something, usually something you want to do, you deliberately do not do it.

[formal]

Abstain from sex or use condoms. [VERB + from]

Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain? [VERB]

2. verb

If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote.

Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote. [VERB]

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Word Frequency

abstain in British English

(əbˈsteɪn )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by from)

1.

to choose to refrain

he abstained from alcohol

2.

to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abstinēre, from abs- ab-1 + tenēre to hold, keep

Word Frequency

abstain in American English

(æbˈsteɪn ; əbˈsteɪn )

verb intransitive

to hold oneself back; voluntarily do without; refrain (from)

to abstain from smoking

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈfrain

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

ME absteinen < OFr abstenir < L abstinere, to hold back < ab(s)-, from + tenere, to hold: see tenant

Word Frequency

abstain

(æbsteɪn )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abstains , present participle abstaining , past tense, past participle abstained

1. verb

If you abstain from something, usually something you want to do, you deliberately do not do it.

[formal]

Abstain from sex or use condoms. [VERB + from]

Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain? [VERB]

2. verb

If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote.

Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote. [VERB]

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Word Frequency

abstain in British English

(əbˈsteɪn )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by from)

1.

to choose to refrain

he abstained from alcohol

2.

to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abstinēre, from abs- ab-1 + tenēre to hold, keep

Word Frequency

abstain in American English

(æbˈsteɪn ; əbˈsteɪn )

verb intransitive

to hold oneself back; voluntarily do without; refrain (from)

to abstain from smoking

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈfrain

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

ME absteinen < OFr abstenir < L abstinere, to hold back < ab(s)-, from + tenere, to hold: see tenant

Word Frequency

abstain

(æbsteɪn )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abstains , present participle abstaining , past tense, past participle abstained

1. verb

If you abstain from something, usually something you want to do, you deliberately do not do it.

[formal]

Abstain from sex or use condoms. [VERB + from]

Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain? [VERB]

2. verb

If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote.

Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote. [VERB]

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Word Frequency

abstain in British English

(əbˈsteɪn )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by from)

1.

to choose to refrain

he abstained from alcohol

2.

to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abstinēre, from abs- ab-1 + tenēre to hold, keep

Word Frequency

abstain in American English

(æbˈsteɪn ; əbˈsteɪn )

verb intransitive

to hold oneself back; voluntarily do without; refrain (from)

to abstain from smoking

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈfrain

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

ME absteinen < OFr abstenir < L abstinere, to hold back < ab(s)-, from + tenere, to hold: see tenant

Word Frequency

abstain

(æbsteɪn )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abstains , present participle abstaining , past tense, past participle abstained

1. verb

If you abstain from something, usually something you want to do, you deliberately do not do it.

[formal]

Abstain from sex or use condoms. [VERB + from]

Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain? [VERB]

2. verb

If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote.

Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote. [VERB]

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Word Frequency

abstain in British English

(əbˈsteɪn )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by from)

1.

to choose to refrain

he abstained from alcohol

2.

to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abstinēre, from abs- ab-1 + tenēre to hold, keep

Word Frequency

abstain in American English

(æbˈsteɪn ; əbˈsteɪn )

verb intransitive

to hold oneself back; voluntarily do without; refrain (from)

to abstain from smoking

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈfrain

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

ME absteinen < OFr abstenir < L abstinere, to hold back < ab(s)-, from + tenere, to hold: see tenant

Word Frequency

abstain

(æbsteɪn )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abstains , present participle abstaining , past tense, past participle abstained

1. verb

If you abstain from something, usually something you want to do, you deliberately do not do it.

[formal]

Abstain from sex or use condoms. [VERB + from]

Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or abstain? [VERB]

2. verb

If you abstain during a vote, you do not use your vote.

Three Conservative MPs abstained in the vote. [VERB]

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Word Frequency

abstain in British English

(əbˈsteɪn )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by from)

1.

to choose to refrain

he abstained from alcohol

2.

to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abstinēre, from abs- ab-1 + tenēre to hold, keep

Word Frequency

abstain in American English

(æbˈsteɪn ; əbˈsteɪn )

verb intransitive

to hold oneself back; voluntarily do without; refrain (from)

to abstain from smoking

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈfrain

Derived forms

abstainer (abˈstainer)

noun

Word origin

ME absteinen < OFr abstenir < L abstinere, to hold back < ab(s)-, from + tenere, to hold: see tenant

Word Frequency

abstemious

(æbstiːmiəs )

adjective

Someone who is abstemious avoids doing too much of something enjoyable such as eating or drinking.

[formal]

Synonyms: temperate, sparing, moderate, sober More Synonyms of abstemious

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Word Frequency

abstemious in British English

(əbˈstiːmɪəs )

adjective

moderate or sparing, esp in the consumption of alcohol or food; temperate

Derived forms

abstemiously (abˈstemiously)

adverb

abstemiousness (abˈstemiousness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abstēmius, from abs- ab-1 + tēm-, from tēmētum intoxicating drink

Word Frequency

abstemious in American English

(æbˈstimiəs ; əbˈstimiəs )

adjective

1.

moderate, esp. in eating and drinking; temperate

2.

characterized by abstinence

Word origin

L abstemius, abstaining from alcoholic liquor < ab(s)-, from + root of temetum, strong drink

Word Frequency

abstemious

(æbstiːmiəs )

adjective

Someone who is abstemious avoids doing too much of something enjoyable such as eating or drinking.

[formal]

Synonyms: temperate, sparing, moderate, sober More Synonyms of abstemious

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Word Frequency

abstemious in British English

(əbˈstiːmɪəs )

adjective

moderate or sparing, esp in the consumption of alcohol or food; temperate

Derived forms

abstemiously (abˈstemiously)

adverb

abstemiousness (abˈstemiousness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abstēmius, from abs- ab-1 + tēm-, from tēmētum intoxicating drink

Word Frequency

abstemious in American English

(æbˈstimiəs ; əbˈstimiəs )

adjective

1.

moderate, esp. in eating and drinking; temperate

2.

characterized by abstinence

Word origin

L abstemius, abstaining from alcoholic liquor < ab(s)-, from + root of temetum, strong drink

Word Frequency

abstemious

(æbstiːmiəs )

adjective

Someone who is abstemious avoids doing too much of something enjoyable such as eating or drinking.

[formal]

Synonyms: temperate, sparing, moderate, sober More Synonyms of abstemious

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Word Frequency

abstemious in British English

(əbˈstiːmɪəs )

adjective

moderate or sparing, esp in the consumption of alcohol or food; temperate

Derived forms

abstemiously (abˈstemiously)

adverb

abstemiousness (abˈstemiousness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin abstēmius, from abs- ab-1 + tēm-, from tēmētum intoxicating drink

Word Frequency

abstemious in American English

(æbˈstimiəs ; əbˈstimiəs )

adjective

1.

moderate, esp. in eating and drinking; temperate

2.

characterized by abstinence

Word origin

L abstemius, abstaining from alcoholic liquor < ab(s)-, from + root of temetum, strong drink

Word Frequency

abstention

(æbstenʃən )

Word forms: plural abstentions

1. variable noun

Abstention is a formal act of not voting either for or against a proposal.

...a vote of sixteen in favor, three against, and one abstention.

The number of abstentions is likely to be crucial.

Abstention is traditionally high in Colombia.

Synonyms: abstaining, non-voting, refusal to vote More Synonyms of abstention

2. uncountable noun [oft N from n]

Abstention is the same as abstinence.

[formal]

The goal is complete abstention from all mind-altering substances.

Synonyms: abstinence, refraining, avoidance, forbearance More Synonyms of abstention

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Word Frequency

abstention in British English

(əbˈstɛnʃən )

noun

1.

a voluntary decision not to act; the act of refraining or abstaining

2.

the act of withholding one's vote

Derived forms

abstentious (abˈstentious)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Late Latin abstentiōn-, from Latin abstinēre. See abstain

Word Frequency

abstention in American English

(æbˈstɛnʃən ; əbˈstɛnʃən )

noun

the act or an instance of abstaining

Derived forms

abstentious (abˈstentious)

adjective

Word origin

L abstentio < abstinere, abstain

Word Frequency

abstentionism in British English

(æbˈstɛnʃənɪzəm)

noun

the policy of withholding one's vote or refusing to participate in some other aspect of the political process

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Word Frequency

abstentionism in American English

(æbˈstenʃəˌnɪzəm)

noun

the refusal of a government to participate in international relations or alliances that it regards as detrimental to its interests

Derived forms

abstentionist

noun or adjective

Word origin

[abstention + -ism]-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)

Word Frequency

abstention

(æbstenʃən )

Word forms: plural abstentions

1. variable noun

Abstention is a formal act of not voting either for or against a proposal.

...a vote of sixteen in favor, three against, and one abstention.

The number of abstentions is likely to be crucial.

Abstention is traditionally high in Colombia.

Synonyms: abstaining, non-voting, refusal to vote More Synonyms of abstention

2. uncountable noun [oft N from n]

Abstention is the same as abstinence.

[formal]

The goal is complete abstention from all mind-altering substances.

Synonyms: abstinence, refraining, avoidance, forbearance More Synonyms of abstention

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Word Frequency

abstention in British English

(əbˈstɛnʃən )

noun

1.

a voluntary decision not to act; the act of refraining or abstaining

2.

the act of withholding one's vote

Derived forms

abstentious (abˈstentious)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Late Latin abstentiōn-, from Latin abstinēre. See abstain

Word Frequency

abstention in American English

(æbˈstɛnʃən ; əbˈstɛnʃən )

noun

the act or an instance of abstaining

Derived forms

abstentious (abˈstentious)

adjective

Word origin

L abstentio < abstinere, abstain

Word Frequency

abstention

(æbstenʃən )

Word forms: plural abstentions

1. variable noun

Abstention is a formal act of not voting either for or against a proposal.

...a vote of sixteen in favor, three against, and one abstention.

The number of abstentions is likely to be crucial.

Abstention is traditionally high in Colombia.

Synonyms: abstaining, non-voting, refusal to vote More Synonyms of abstention

2. uncountable noun [oft N from n]

Abstention is the same as abstinence.

[formal]

The goal is complete abstention from all mind-altering substances.

Synonyms: abstinence, refraining, avoidance, forbearance More Synonyms of abstention

You may also like

Word Frequency

abstention in British English

(əbˈstɛnʃən )

noun

1.

a voluntary decision not to act; the act of refraining or abstaining

2.

the act of withholding one's vote

Derived forms

abstentious (abˈstentious)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Late Latin abstentiōn-, from Latin abstinēre. See abstain

Word Frequency

abstention in American English

(æbˈstɛnʃən ; əbˈstɛnʃən )

noun

the act or an instance of abstaining

Derived forms

abstentious (abˈstentious)

adjective

Word origin

L abstentio < abstinere, abstain

Word Frequency

absterge in British English

(æbˈstɜːdʒ)

verb (transitive)

formal

to wipe clean or cleanse

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Word Frequency

absterge in American English

(æbˈstɜrdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsterged or abˈsterging Archaic

1.

to wipe away; clean

2.

to purge

Derived forms

abstergent (abˈstergent)

adjective, noun

abstersion (abˈstersion) (æbˈstɜrʃən )

noun

Word origin

L abstergere < ab(s)-, away + tergere, to wipe: see deterge

Word Frequency

absterge in British English

(æbˈstɜːdʒ)

verb (transitive)

formal

to wipe clean or cleanse

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Word Frequency

absterge in American English

(æbˈstɜrdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsterged or abˈsterging Archaic

1.

to wipe away; clean

2.

to purge

Derived forms

abstergent (abˈstergent)

adjective, noun

abstersion (abˈstersion) (æbˈstɜrʃən )

noun

Word origin

L abstergere < ab(s)-, away + tergere, to wipe: see deterge

Word Frequency

absterge in British English

(æbˈstɜːdʒ)

verb (transitive)

formal

to wipe clean or cleanse

You may also like

Word Frequency

absterge in American English

(æbˈstɜrdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsterged or abˈsterging Archaic

1.

to wipe away; clean

2.

to purge

Derived forms

abstergent (abˈstergent)

adjective, noun

abstersion (abˈstersion) (æbˈstɜrʃən )

noun

Word origin

L abstergere < ab(s)-, away + tergere, to wipe: see deterge

Word Frequency

absterge in British English

(æbˈstɜːdʒ)

verb (transitive)

formal

to wipe clean or cleanse

You may also like

Word Frequency

absterge in American English

(æbˈstɜrdʒ )

verb transitiveWord forms: abˈsterged or abˈsterging Archaic

1.

to wipe away; clean

2.

to purge

Derived forms

abstergent (abˈstergent)

adjective, noun

abstersion (abˈstersion) (æbˈstɜrʃən )

noun

Word origin

L abstergere < ab(s)-, away + tergere, to wipe: see deterge

Word Frequency

abstinence

(æbstɪnəns )

uncountable noun

Abstinence is the practice of abstaining from something such as alcoholic drink or sex, often for health or religious reasons.

...six months of abstinence.

...total abstinence from alcohol. [+ from]

Synonyms: abstention, continence, temperance, self-denial More Synonyms of abstinence

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Word Frequency

abstinence in British English

(ˈæbstɪnəns )

noun

1.

the act or practice of refraining from some action or from the use of something, esp alcohol

2. mainly Roman Catholic Church

the practice of refraining from specific kinds of food or drink, esp from meat, as an act of penance

Derived forms

abstinent (ˈabstinent)

adjective

abstinently (ˈabstinently)

adverb

Word origin

C13: via Old French from Latin abstinentia, from abstinēre to abstain

Word Frequency

abstinence in American English

(ˈæbstənəns )

noun

1.

the act of voluntarily doing without some or all food, drink, or other pleasures

2. Roman Catholic Church

abstention from flesh meat on certain designated days

Derived forms

abstinent (ˈabstinent)

adjective

abstinently (ˈabstinently)

adverb

Word origin

ME < OFr < L abstinentia < prp. of abstinere: see abstain

Word Frequency

abstinence

(æbstɪnəns )

uncountable noun

Abstinence is the practice of abstaining from something such as alcoholic drink or sex, often for health or religious reasons.

...six months of abstinence.

...total abstinence from alcohol. [+ from]

Synonyms: abstention, continence, temperance, self-denial More Synonyms of abstinence

You may also like

Word Frequency

abstinence in British English

(ˈæbstɪnəns )

noun

1.

the act or practice of refraining from some action or from the use of something, esp alcohol

2. mainly Roman Catholic Church

the practice of refraining from specific kinds of food or drink, esp from meat, as an act of penance

Derived forms

abstinent (ˈabstinent)

adjective

abstinently (ˈabstinently)

adverb

Word origin

C13: via Old French from Latin abstinentia, from abstinēre to abstain

Word Frequency

abstinence in American English

(ˈæbstənəns )

noun

1.

the act of voluntarily doing without some or all food, drink, or other pleasures

2. Roman Catholic Church

abstention from flesh meat on certain designated days

Derived forms

abstinent (ˈabstinent)

adjective

abstinently (ˈabstinently)

adverb

Word origin

ME < OFr < L abstinentia < prp. of abstinere: see abstain

Word Frequency

abstract

(æbstrækt )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense, plural abstracts , present participle abstracting, past tense, past participle abstractedpronunciation note: The adjective and noun are pronounced (æbstrækt ). The verb is pronounced (æbstrækt ).

1. adjective

An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events.

...abstract principles such as justice.

It's not a question of some abstract concept.

...the faculty of abstract reasoning.

abstractly adverb

It is hard to think abstractly in these conditions.

2.

See in the abstract

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

In grammar, an abstract noun refers to a quality or idea rather than to a physical object.

...abstract words such as glory, honor, and courage.

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Abstract art makes use of shapes and patterns rather than showing people or things.

...a modern abstract painting.

Synonyms: symbolic, figurative, emblematic, impressionistic More Synonyms of abstract

5. countable noun

An abstract is an abstract work of art.

6. countable noun

An abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it.

7. verb

If you abstract something from a place, you take it from there.

[formal]

...a licence to abstract water from the River Axe. [VERB noun from noun]

The author has abstracted poems from earlier books. [VERB noun from noun]

Synonyms: extract, draw, pull, remove More Synonyms of abstract

More Synonyms of abstract

Video: pronunciation of
abstract

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Word Frequency

abstract in British English

adjective (ˈæbstrækt )

1.

having no reference to material objects or specific examples; not concrete

2.

not applied or practical; theoretical

3.

hard to understand; recondite; abstruse

4.

denoting art characterized by geometric, formalized, or otherwise nonrepresentational qualities

5.

defined in terms of its formal properties

an abstract machine

6. philosophy

(of an idea) functioning for some empiricists as the meaning of a general term

noun (ˈæbstrækt )

7.

a condensed version of a piece of writing, speech, etc; summary

8.

an abstract term or idea

9.

an abstract painting, sculpture, etc

10. in the abstract

verb (æbˈstrækt ) (transitive)

11.

to think of (a quality or concept) generally without reference to a specific example; regard theoretically

12.

to form (a general idea) by abstraction

13. (ˈæbstrækt ) (also intr)

to summarize or epitomize

14.

to remove or extract

15. euphemistic

to steal

Word origin

C14: (in the sense: extracted): from Latin abstractus drawn off, removed from (something specific), from abs- ab-1 + trahere to draw

Word Frequency

abstract in American English

( for adj., æbˈstrækt ; ˈæbˌstrækt ; for 6 & 11, ˈæbˌstrækt ; for 7, ˈæbˌstrækt ; æbˈstrækt ; for 8, 9, & 10, æbˈstrækt )

adjective

1.

thought of apart from any particular instances or material objects; not concrete

2.

expressing a quality thought of apart from any particular or material object

beauty is an abstract word

3.

not easy to understand because of being extremely complex, remote from concrete reality, etc.; abstruse

4.

theoretical; not practical or applied

5.

designating or of art abstracted from reality, in which designs or forms may be definite and geometric or fluid and amorphous

a generic term that encompasses various nonrealistic contemporary schools

noun

6.

a brief statement of the essential content of a book, article, speech, court record, etc.; summary

7.

an abstract thing, condition, idea, etc.

verb transitive

8.

to take away; remove

9.

to take dishonestly; steal

10.

to think of (a quality) apart from any particular instance or material object that has it; also, to form (a general idea) from particular instances

11.

to summarize; make an abstract of

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbridgment

Idioms:

in the abstract

Derived forms

abstracter (abˈstracter)

noun

abstractly (abˈstractly)

adverb

abstractness (abˈstractness)

noun

Word origin

< L abstractus, pp. of abstrahere, to draw from, separate < ab(s)-, from + trahere, to draw

Word Frequency

abstracted

(æbstræktɪd )

adjective

Someone who is abstracted is thinking so deeply that they are not fully aware of what is happening around them.

[written]

Meg was so abstracted she scarcely noticed that the train had stopped.

The same abstracted look was still on his face.

Synonyms: preoccupied, withdrawn, remote, absorbed More Synonyms of abstracted

abstractedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

She nodded abstractedly.

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Word Frequency

abstracted in British English

(æbˈstræktɪd )

adjective

1.

lost in thought; preoccupied

2.

taken out or separated; extracted

Derived forms

abstractedly (abˈstractedly)

adverb

abstractedness (abˈstractedness)

noun

Word Frequency

abstracted in American English

(æbˈstræktɪd )

adjective

1.

removed or separated (from something)

2.

withdrawn in mind; absent-minded

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈabˈsent-minded

Derived forms

abstractedly (abˈstractedly)

adverb

abstractedness (abˈstractedness)

noun

Word Frequency

abstracted

(æbstræktɪd )

adjective

Someone who is abstracted is thinking so deeply that they are not fully aware of what is happening around them.

[written]

Meg was so abstracted she scarcely noticed that the train had stopped.

The same abstracted look was still on his face.

Synonyms: preoccupied, withdrawn, remote, absorbed More Synonyms of abstracted

abstractedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

She nodded abstractedly.

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Word Frequency

abstracted in British English

(æbˈstræktɪd )

adjective

1.

lost in thought; preoccupied

2.

taken out or separated; extracted

Derived forms

abstractedly (abˈstractedly)

adverb

abstractedness (abˈstractedness)

noun

Word Frequency

abstracted in American English

(æbˈstræktɪd )

adjective

1.

removed or separated (from something)

2.

withdrawn in mind; absent-minded

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈabˈsent-minded

Derived forms

abstractedly (abˈstractedly)

adverb

abstractedness (abˈstractedness)

noun

Word Frequency

abstracted

(æbstræktɪd )

adjective

Someone who is abstracted is thinking so deeply that they are not fully aware of what is happening around them.

[written]

Meg was so abstracted she scarcely noticed that the train had stopped.

The same abstracted look was still on his face.

Synonyms: preoccupied, withdrawn, remote, absorbed More Synonyms of abstracted

abstractedly adverb [ADVERB with verb]

She nodded abstractedly.

You may also like

Word Frequency

abstracted in British English

(æbˈstræktɪd )

adjective

1.

lost in thought; preoccupied

2.

taken out or separated; extracted

Derived forms

abstractedly (abˈstractedly)

adverb

abstractedness (abˈstractedness)

noun

Word Frequency

abstracted in American English

(æbˈstræktɪd )

adjective

1.

removed or separated (from something)

2.

withdrawn in mind; absent-minded

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈabˈsent-minded

Derived forms

abstractedly (abˈstractedly)

adverb

abstractedness (abˈstractedness)

noun

Word Frequency

abstract

(æbstrækt )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense, plural abstracts , present participle abstracting, past tense, past participle abstractedpronunciation note: The adjective and noun are pronounced (æbstrækt ). The verb is pronounced (æbstrækt ).

1. adjective

An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events.

...abstract principles such as justice.

It's not a question of some abstract concept.

...the faculty of abstract reasoning.

abstractly adverb

It is hard to think abstractly in these conditions.

2.

See in the abstract

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

In grammar, an abstract noun refers to a quality or idea rather than to a physical object.

...abstract words such as glory, honor, and courage.

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Abstract art makes use of shapes and patterns rather than showing people or things.

...a modern abstract painting.

Synonyms: symbolic, figurative, emblematic, impressionistic More Synonyms of abstract

5. countable noun

An abstract is an abstract work of art.

6. countable noun

An abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it.

7. verb

If you abstract something from a place, you take it from there.

[formal]

...a licence to abstract water from the River Axe. [VERB noun from noun]

The author has abstracted poems from earlier books. [VERB noun from noun]

Synonyms: extract, draw, pull, remove More Synonyms of abstract

More Synonyms of abstract

Video: pronunciation of
abstract

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Word Frequency

abstract in British English

adjective (ˈæbstrækt )

1.

having no reference to material objects or specific examples; not concrete

2.

not applied or practical; theoretical

3.

hard to understand; recondite; abstruse

4.

denoting art characterized by geometric, formalized, or otherwise nonrepresentational qualities

5.

defined in terms of its formal properties

an abstract machine

6. philosophy

(of an idea) functioning for some empiricists as the meaning of a general term

noun (ˈæbstrækt )

7.

a condensed version of a piece of writing, speech, etc; summary

8.

an abstract term or idea

9.

an abstract painting, sculpture, etc

10. in the abstract

verb (æbˈstrækt ) (transitive)

11.

to think of (a quality or concept) generally without reference to a specific example; regard theoretically

12.

to form (a general idea) by abstraction

13. (ˈæbstrækt ) (also intr)

to summarize or epitomize

14.

to remove or extract

15. euphemistic

to steal

Word origin

C14: (in the sense: extracted): from Latin abstractus drawn off, removed from (something specific), from abs- ab-1 + trahere to draw

Word Frequency

abstract in American English

( for adj., æbˈstrækt ; ˈæbˌstrækt ; for 6 & 11, ˈæbˌstrækt ; for 7, ˈæbˌstrækt ; æbˈstrækt ; for 8, 9, & 10, æbˈstrækt )

adjective

1.

thought of apart from any particular instances or material objects; not concrete

2.

expressing a quality thought of apart from any particular or material object

beauty is an abstract word

3.

not easy to understand because of being extremely complex, remote from concrete reality, etc.; abstruse

4.

theoretical; not practical or applied

5.

designating or of art abstracted from reality, in which designs or forms may be definite and geometric or fluid and amorphous

a generic term that encompasses various nonrealistic contemporary schools

noun

6.

a brief statement of the essential content of a book, article, speech, court record, etc.; summary

7.

an abstract thing, condition, idea, etc.

verb transitive

8.

to take away; remove

9.

to take dishonestly; steal

10.

to think of (a quality) apart from any particular instance or material object that has it; also, to form (a general idea) from particular instances

11.

to summarize; make an abstract of

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbridgment

Idioms:

in the abstract

Derived forms

abstracter (abˈstracter)

noun

abstractly (abˈstractly)

adverb

abstractness (abˈstractness)

noun

Word origin

< L abstractus, pp. of abstrahere, to draw from, separate < ab(s)-, from + trahere, to draw

Word Frequency

abstraction

(æbstrækʃən )

Word forms: plural abstractions

1. variable noun

An abstraction is a general idea rather than one relating to a particular object, person, or situation.

[formal]

Is it worth fighting a big war, in the name of an abstraction like sovereignty?

Synonyms: concept, thought, idea, view More Synonyms of abstraction

2. uncountable noun

Abstraction is the state of being very deep in thought.

[written]

Andrew noticed her abstraction and asked, 'What's bothering you?'

Synonyms: absent-mindedness, musing, preoccupation, daydreaming More Synonyms of abstraction

3. uncountable noun

Abstraction is the use of shapes and patterns in art.

[technical]

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'Art styles and movements'

Word Frequency

abstraction in British English

(æbˈstrækʃən )

noun

1.

absence of mind; preoccupation

2.

the process of formulating generalized ideas or concepts by extracting common qualities from specific examples

3.

an idea or concept formulated in this way

good and evil are abstractions

4. logic

an operator that forms a class name or predicate from any given expression

abstraction in American English

(æbˈstrækʃən )

noun

1.

an abstracting or being abstracted; removal

2.

formation of an idea, as of the qualities or properties of a thing, by mental separation from particular instances or material objects

3.

an idea so formed, or a word or term for it

“honesty” and “whiteness” are abstractions

4.

an unrealistic or impractical notion

5.

mental withdrawal; absent-mindedness

6.

an abstract quality

7.

a picture, statue, etc. that is wholly or partly abstract

Word origin

ME abstraccioun < LL abstractio: see abstract

Word Frequency

abstractionism in British English

(æbˈstrækʃəˌnɪzəm )

noun

the theory and practice of the abstract, esp of abstract art

Derived forms

abstractionist (abˈstractionist)

noun

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Word Frequency

abstractionism in American English

(æbˈstrækʃənˌɪzəm )

noun

the theory and practice of the abstract, esp. in art

Derived forms

abstractionist (abˈstractionist)

adjective, noun

Word Frequency

abstractionism in British English

(æbˈstrækʃəˌnɪzəm )

noun

the theory and practice of the abstract, esp of abstract art

Derived forms

abstractionist (abˈstractionist)

noun

You may also like

'Art styles and movements'

Word Frequency

abstractionism in American English

(æbˈstrækʃənˌɪzəm )

noun

the theory and practice of the abstract, esp. in art

Derived forms

abstractionist (abˈstractionist)

adjective, noun

Word Frequency

abstraction

(æbstrækʃən )

Word forms: plural abstractions

1. variable noun

An abstraction is a general idea rather than one relating to a particular object, person, or situation.

[formal]

Is it worth fighting a big war, in the name of an abstraction like sovereignty?

Synonyms: concept, thought, idea, view More Synonyms of abstraction

2. uncountable noun

Abstraction is the state of being very deep in thought.

[written]

Andrew noticed her abstraction and asked, 'What's bothering you?'

Synonyms: absent-mindedness, musing, preoccupation, daydreaming More Synonyms of abstraction

3. uncountable noun

Abstraction is the use of shapes and patterns in art.

[technical]

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Word Frequency

abstraction in British English

(æbˈstrækʃən )

noun

1.

absence of mind; preoccupation

2.

the process of formulating generalized ideas or concepts by extracting common qualities from specific examples

3.

an idea or concept formulated in this way

good and evil are abstractions

4. logic

an operator that forms a class name or predicate from any given expression

abstraction in American English

(æbˈstrækʃən )

noun

1.

an abstracting or being abstracted; removal

2.

formation of an idea, as of the qualities or properties of a thing, by mental separation from particular instances or material objects

3.

an idea so formed, or a word or term for it

“honesty” and “whiteness” are abstractions

4.

an unrealistic or impractical notion

5.

mental withdrawal; absent-mindedness

6.

an abstract quality

7.

a picture, statue, etc. that is wholly or partly abstract

Word origin

ME abstraccioun < LL abstractio: see abstract

Word Frequency

abstraction

(æbstrækʃən )

Word forms: plural abstractions

1. variable noun

An abstraction is a general idea rather than one relating to a particular object, person, or situation.

[formal]

Is it worth fighting a big war, in the name of an abstraction like sovereignty?

Synonyms: concept, thought, idea, view More Synonyms of abstraction

2. uncountable noun

Abstraction is the state of being very deep in thought.

[written]

Andrew noticed her abstraction and asked, 'What's bothering you?'

Synonyms: absent-mindedness, musing, preoccupation, daydreaming More Synonyms of abstraction

3. uncountable noun

Abstraction is the use of shapes and patterns in art.

[technical]

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Word Frequency

abstraction in British English

(æbˈstrækʃən )

noun

1.

absence of mind; preoccupation

2.

the process of formulating generalized ideas or concepts by extracting common qualities from specific examples

3.

an idea or concept formulated in this way

good and evil are abstractions

4. logic

an operator that forms a class name or predicate from any given expression

abstraction in American English

(æbˈstrækʃən )

noun

1.

an abstracting or being abstracted; removal

2.

formation of an idea, as of the qualities or properties of a thing, by mental separation from particular instances or material objects

3.

an idea so formed, or a word or term for it

“honesty” and “whiteness” are abstractions

4.

an unrealistic or impractical notion

5.

mental withdrawal; absent-mindedness

6.

an abstract quality

7.

a picture, statue, etc. that is wholly or partly abstract

Word origin

ME abstraccioun < LL abstractio: see abstract

Word Frequency

abstract

(æbstrækt )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense, plural abstracts , present participle abstracting, past tense, past participle abstractedpronunciation note: The adjective and noun are pronounced (æbstrækt ). The verb is pronounced (æbstrækt ).

1. adjective

An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events.

...abstract principles such as justice.

It's not a question of some abstract concept.

...the faculty of abstract reasoning.

abstractly adverb

It is hard to think abstractly in these conditions.

2.

See in the abstract

3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

In grammar, an abstract noun refers to a quality or idea rather than to a physical object.

...abstract words such as glory, honor, and courage.

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Abstract art makes use of shapes and patterns rather than showing people or things.

...a modern abstract painting.

Synonyms: symbolic, figurative, emblematic, impressionistic More Synonyms of abstract

5. countable noun

An abstract is an abstract work of art.

6. countable noun

An abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it.

7. verb

If you abstract something from a place, you take it from there.

[formal]

...a licence to abstract water from the River Axe. [VERB noun from noun]

The author has abstracted poems from earlier books. [VERB noun from noun]

Synonyms: extract, draw, pull, remove More Synonyms of abstract

More Synonyms of abstract

Video: pronunciation of
abstract

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Word Frequency

abstract in British English

adjective (ˈæbstrækt )

1.

having no reference to material objects or specific examples; not concrete

2.

not applied or practical; theoretical

3.

hard to understand; recondite; abstruse

4.

denoting art characterized by geometric, formalized, or otherwise nonrepresentational qualities

5.

defined in terms of its formal properties

an abstract machine

6. philosophy

(of an idea) functioning for some empiricists as the meaning of a general term

noun (ˈæbstrækt )

7.

a condensed version of a piece of writing, speech, etc; summary

8.

an abstract term or idea

9.

an abstract painting, sculpture, etc

10. in the abstract

verb (æbˈstrækt ) (transitive)

11.

to think of (a quality or concept) generally without reference to a specific example; regard theoretically

12.

to form (a general idea) by abstraction

13. (ˈæbstrækt ) (also intr)

to summarize or epitomize

14.

to remove or extract

15. euphemistic

to steal

Word origin

C14: (in the sense: extracted): from Latin abstractus drawn off, removed from (something specific), from abs- ab-1 + trahere to draw

Word Frequency

abstract in American English

( for adj., æbˈstrækt ; ˈæbˌstrækt ; for 6 & 11, ˈæbˌstrækt ; for 7, ˈæbˌstrækt ; æbˈstrækt ; for 8, 9, & 10, æbˈstrækt )

adjective

1.

thought of apart from any particular instances or material objects; not concrete

2.

expressing a quality thought of apart from any particular or material object

beauty is an abstract word

3.

not easy to understand because of being extremely complex, remote from concrete reality, etc.; abstruse

4.

theoretical; not practical or applied

5.

designating or of art abstracted from reality, in which designs or forms may be definite and geometric or fluid and amorphous

a generic term that encompasses various nonrealistic contemporary schools

noun

6.

a brief statement of the essential content of a book, article, speech, court record, etc.; summary

7.

an abstract thing, condition, idea, etc.

verb transitive

8.

to take away; remove

9.

to take dishonestly; steal

10.

to think of (a quality) apart from any particular instance or material object that has it; also, to form (a general idea) from particular instances

11.

to summarize; make an abstract of

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈbridgment

Idioms:

in the abstract

Derived forms

abstracter (abˈstracter)

noun

abstractly (abˈstractly)

adverb

abstractness (abˈstractness)

noun

Word origin

< L abstractus, pp. of abstrahere, to draw from, separate < ab(s)-, from + trahere, to draw

abstrict in British English

(æbˈstrɪkt)

verb biology

1. (transitive)

to make (a spore) undergo abstriction

2. (intransitive)

(of a spore) to undergo abstriction

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abstrict in American English

(æbˈstrɪkt )

verb transitive, verb intransitive

to undergo, or produce by, abstriction

abstrict in British English

(æbˈstrɪkt)

verb biology

1. (transitive)

to make (a spore) undergo abstriction

2. (intransitive)

(of a spore) to undergo abstriction

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abstrict in American English

(æbˈstrɪkt )

verb transitive, verb intransitive

to undergo, or produce by, abstriction

abstrict in British English

(æbˈstrɪkt)

verb biology

1. (transitive)

to make (a spore) undergo abstriction

2. (intransitive)

(of a spore) to undergo abstriction

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abstrict in American English

(æbˈstrɪkt )

verb transitive, verb intransitive

to undergo, or produce by, abstriction

Word Frequency

abstriction in British English

(æbˈstrɪkʃən )

noun

the separation and release of a mature spore from a sporophore by the formation of a septum. This process occurs in some fungi

Word origin

C17: from Latin ab-1 + strictio a binding, from stringere to bind

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Word Frequency

abstriction in American English

(æbˈstrɪkʃən )

noun

Botany

any natural separation of a spore from its sporophore

Word origin

< L ab-, from + strictio, a binding < strictus, pp. of stringere: see stringent

abstrict in British English

(æbˈstrɪkt)

verb biology

1. (transitive)

to make (a spore) undergo abstriction

2. (intransitive)

(of a spore) to undergo abstriction

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abstrict in American English

(æbˈstrɪkt )

verb transitive, verb intransitive

to undergo, or produce by, abstriction

Word Frequency

abstruse

(æbstruːs )

adjective

You can describe something as abstruse if you find it difficult to understand, especially when you think it could be explained more simply.

[formal, disapproval]

...fruitless discussions about abstruse resolutions.

Synonyms: obscure, complex, confusing, puzzling More Synonyms of abstruse

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Word Frequency

abstruse in British English

(əbˈstruːs )

adjective

not easy to understand; recondite; esoteric

Derived forms

abstrusely (abˈstrusely)

adverb

abstruseness (abˈstruseness)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abstrūsus thrust away, concealed, from abs- ab-1 + trūdere to thrust

Word Frequency

abstruse in American English

(æbˈstrus ; əbˈstrus )

adjective

hard to understand because of being extremely complex, intellectually demanding, highly abstract, etc.; deep; recondite

Derived forms

abstrusely (abˈstrusely)

adverb

abstruseness (abˈstruseness)

noun

abstrusity (abˈstrusity)

nounWord forms: plural abˈstrusities

Word origin

L abstrusus, pp. of abstrudere, to thrust away < ab(s)-, away + trudere, to thrust

Word Frequency

abstruse

(æbstruːs )

adjective

You can describe something as abstruse if you find it difficult to understand, especially when you think it could be explained more simply.

[formal, disapproval]

...fruitless discussions about abstruse resolutions.

Synonyms: obscure, complex, confusing, puzzling More Synonyms of abstruse

You may also like

Word Frequency

abstruse in British English

(əbˈstruːs )

adjective

not easy to understand; recondite; esoteric

Derived forms

abstrusely (abˈstrusely)

adverb

abstruseness (abˈstruseness)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abstrūsus thrust away, concealed, from abs- ab-1 + trūdere to thrust

Word Frequency

abstruse in American English

(æbˈstrus ; əbˈstrus )

adjective

hard to understand because of being extremely complex, intellectually demanding, highly abstract, etc.; deep; recondite

Derived forms

abstrusely (abˈstrusely)

adverb

abstruseness (abˈstruseness)

noun

abstrusity (abˈstrusity)

nounWord forms: plural abˈstrusities

Word origin

L abstrusus, pp. of abstrudere, to thrust away < ab(s)-, away + trudere, to thrust

Word Frequency

abstruse

(æbstruːs )

adjective

You can describe something as abstruse if you find it difficult to understand, especially when you think it could be explained more simply.

[formal, disapproval]

...fruitless discussions about abstruse resolutions.

Synonyms: obscure, complex, confusing, puzzling More Synonyms of abstruse

You may also like

Word Frequency

abstruse in British English

(əbˈstruːs )

adjective

not easy to understand; recondite; esoteric

Derived forms

abstrusely (abˈstrusely)

adverb

abstruseness (abˈstruseness)

noun

Word origin

C16: from Latin abstrūsus thrust away, concealed, from abs- ab-1 + trūdere to thrust

Word Frequency

abstruse in American English

(æbˈstrus ; əbˈstrus )

adjective

hard to understand because of being extremely complex, intellectually demanding, highly abstract, etc.; deep; recondite

Derived forms

abstrusely (abˈstrusely)

adverb

abstruseness (abˈstruseness)

noun

abstrusity (abˈstrusity)

nounWord forms: plural abˈstrusities

Word origin

L abstrusus, pp. of abstrudere, to thrust away < ab(s)-, away + trudere, to thrust

abstrusity in British English

(æbˈstruːsɪtɪ)

noun literary

1.

the quality of being abstruse

2. Word forms: plural -ties

an abstruse thing

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abstrusity in American English

(æbˈstruːsɪti)

nounWord forms: plural (for 2) -ties

1.

the quality or state of being abstruse

2.

an abstruse statement, action, etc

Word origin

[1625–35; abstruse + -ity]This word is first recorded in the period 1625–35. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: concentration, deviate, functional, query, substratum-ity is a suffix used to form abstract nouns expressing state or condition. Other words that use the affix -ity include: Latinity, civility, jollity

abstrusity in British English

(æbˈstruːsɪtɪ)

noun literary

1.

the quality of being abstruse

2. Word forms: plural -ties

an abstruse thing

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abstrusity in American English

(æbˈstruːsɪti)

nounWord forms: plural (for 2) -ties

1.

the quality or state of being abstruse

2.

an abstruse statement, action, etc

Word origin

[1625–35; abstruse + -ity]This word is first recorded in the period 1625–35. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: concentration, deviate, functional, query, substratum-ity is a suffix used to form abstract nouns expressing state or condition. Other words that use the affix -ity include: Latinity, civility, jollity

Word Frequency

absurd

(æbsɜːʳd )

adjective

If you say that something is absurd, you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense.

[disapproval]

It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for teachers.

I've known clients of mine go to absurd lengths, just to avoid paying me a few pounds.

That's absurd.

Synonyms: ridiculous, crazy [informal], silly, incredible More Synonyms of absurd

The absurd is something that is absurd.

[formal]

Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd.

absurdly adverb

Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion.

Absurdly, it makes shoppers overpay farmers to grow too much food.

Synonyms: ridiculously, incredibly, unbelievably, foolishly More Synonyms of absurd

absurdity (æbsɜːʳdɪti )Word forms: plural absurdities variable noun

I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the situation. [+ of]

...the absurdities of fashionable childcare methods.

Synonyms: ridiculousness, joke, nonsense, malarkey More Synonyms of absurd

Video: pronunciation of
absurd

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Word Frequency

absurd in British English

(əbˈsɜːd )

adjective

1.

at variance with reason; manifestly false

2.

noun

3. the absurd

See also theatre of the absurd

Derived forms

absurdity (abˈsurdity) or absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

Word origin

C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from ab-1 (intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct

Word Frequency

absurd in American English

(æbˈsɜrd ; æbˈzɜrd ; əbˈsɜrd ; əbˈzɜrd )

adjective

so clearly untrue or unreasonable as to be laughable or ridiculous

SYNONYMY NOTE: absurd means laughably inconsistent with what is judged as true or reasonable [an absurd hypothesis]; ludicrous is applied to what is laughable from incongruity or exaggeration [a ludicrous facial expression]; preposterous is used to describe anything flagrantly absurd or ludicrous; , foolish describes that which shows lack of good judgment or of common sense [don't take foolish chances]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF, ridiculous apply to whatever excites amusement or contempt by reason of its extreme foolishness, , UNRESOLVED CROSS REF often indicating an utterly nonsensical quality

OPPOSITES: sensible, logical

Derived forms

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

Word origin

Fr absurde < L absurdus, not to be heard of < ab-, intens. + surdus, dull, deaf, insensible

Word Frequency

absurd

(æbsɜːʳd )

adjective

If you say that something is absurd, you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense.

[disapproval]

It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for teachers.

I've known clients of mine go to absurd lengths, just to avoid paying me a few pounds.

That's absurd.

Synonyms: ridiculous, crazy [informal], silly, incredible More Synonyms of absurd

The absurd is something that is absurd.

[formal]

Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd.

absurdly adverb

Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion.

Absurdly, it makes shoppers overpay farmers to grow too much food.

Synonyms: ridiculously, incredibly, unbelievably, foolishly More Synonyms of absurd

absurdity (æbsɜːʳdɪti )Word forms: plural absurdities variable noun

I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the situation. [+ of]

...the absurdities of fashionable childcare methods.

Synonyms: ridiculousness, joke, nonsense, malarkey More Synonyms of absurd

Video: pronunciation of
absurd

You may also like

Word Frequency

absurd in British English

(əbˈsɜːd )

adjective

1.

at variance with reason; manifestly false

2.

noun

3. the absurd

See also theatre of the absurd

Derived forms

absurdity (abˈsurdity) or absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

Word origin

C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from ab-1 (intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct

Word Frequency

absurd in American English

(æbˈsɜrd ; æbˈzɜrd ; əbˈsɜrd ; əbˈzɜrd )

adjective

so clearly untrue or unreasonable as to be laughable or ridiculous

SYNONYMY NOTE: absurd means laughably inconsistent with what is judged as true or reasonable [an absurd hypothesis]; ludicrous is applied to what is laughable from incongruity or exaggeration [a ludicrous facial expression]; preposterous is used to describe anything flagrantly absurd or ludicrous; , foolish describes that which shows lack of good judgment or of common sense [don't take foolish chances]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF, ridiculous apply to whatever excites amusement or contempt by reason of its extreme foolishness, , UNRESOLVED CROSS REF often indicating an utterly nonsensical quality

OPPOSITES: sensible, logical

Derived forms

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

Word origin

Fr absurde < L absurdus, not to be heard of < ab-, intens. + surdus, dull, deaf, insensible

Word Frequency

absurd

(æbsɜːʳd )

adjective

If you say that something is absurd, you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense.

[disapproval]

It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for teachers.

I've known clients of mine go to absurd lengths, just to avoid paying me a few pounds.

That's absurd.

Synonyms: ridiculous, crazy [informal], silly, incredible More Synonyms of absurd

The absurd is something that is absurd.

[formal]

Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd.

absurdly adverb

Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion.

Absurdly, it makes shoppers overpay farmers to grow too much food.

Synonyms: ridiculously, incredibly, unbelievably, foolishly More Synonyms of absurd

absurdity (æbsɜːʳdɪti )Word forms: plural absurdities variable noun

I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the situation. [+ of]

...the absurdities of fashionable childcare methods.

Synonyms: ridiculousness, joke, nonsense, malarkey More Synonyms of absurd

Video: pronunciation of
absurd

You may also like

Word Frequency

absurd in British English

(əbˈsɜːd )

adjective

1.

at variance with reason; manifestly false

2.

noun

3. the absurd

See also theatre of the absurd

Derived forms

absurdity (abˈsurdity) or absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

Word origin

C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from ab-1 (intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct

Word Frequency

absurd in American English

(æbˈsɜrd ; æbˈzɜrd ; əbˈsɜrd ; əbˈzɜrd )

adjective

so clearly untrue or unreasonable as to be laughable or ridiculous

SYNONYMY NOTE: absurd means laughably inconsistent with what is judged as true or reasonable [an absurd hypothesis]; ludicrous is applied to what is laughable from incongruity or exaggeration [a ludicrous facial expression]; preposterous is used to describe anything flagrantly absurd or ludicrous; , foolish describes that which shows lack of good judgment or of common sense [don't take foolish chances]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF, ridiculous apply to whatever excites amusement or contempt by reason of its extreme foolishness, , UNRESOLVED CROSS REF often indicating an utterly nonsensical quality

OPPOSITES: sensible, logical

Derived forms

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

Word origin

Fr absurde < L absurdus, not to be heard of < ab-, intens. + surdus, dull, deaf, insensible

Word Frequency

absurdism in British English

(æbˈsɜːdɪzəm)

noun

philosophy

the belief that life is meaningless and that all attempts to understand the universe are doomed to fail

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Word Frequency

absurdism in American English

(æbˈsɜːrdɪzəm, -ˈzɜːr-)

noun

the philosophical and literary doctrine that human beings live in essential isolation in a meaningless and irrational world

Word origin

[1945–50; absurd + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1945–50. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: RNA, regression analysis, spin-off, synchronized swimming, taxi squad-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)

Word Frequency

absurdist

(æbsɜːʳdɪst )

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

An absurdist play or other work shows how absurd some aspect of society or human behaviour is.

He wrote and directed absurdist plays.

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absurdist in British English

(əbˈsɜːdɪst) literature

adjective

1.

(of a play or other work) showing the absurdity of some aspect of society or human behaviour

the last volume in the absurdist trilogy

noun

2.

a writer in the absurdist genre

To the absurdists the whole idea of religious faith appeared ridiculous.

Word Frequency

absurdist in American English

(æbˈsɜrdɪst ; æbˈzɜrdɪst ; əbˈsɜrdɪst ; əbˈzɜrdɪst )

adjective

1.

designating or holding the belief that human existence is absurd, irrational, meaningless, etc.

2.

of, relating to, or associated with the theater of the absurd

noun

3.

an absurdist thinker, writer, etc.

Derived forms

absurdism (abˈsurdˌism)

noun

Word Frequency

absurd

(æbsɜːʳd )

adjective

If you say that something is absurd, you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense.

[disapproval]

It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for teachers.

I've known clients of mine go to absurd lengths, just to avoid paying me a few pounds.

That's absurd.

Synonyms: ridiculous, crazy [informal], silly, incredible More Synonyms of absurd

The absurd is something that is absurd.

[formal]

Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd.

absurdly adverb

Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion.

Absurdly, it makes shoppers overpay farmers to grow too much food.

Synonyms: ridiculously, incredibly, unbelievably, foolishly More Synonyms of absurd

absurdity (æbsɜːʳdɪti )Word forms: plural absurdities variable noun

I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the situation. [+ of]

...the absurdities of fashionable childcare methods.

Synonyms: ridiculousness, joke, nonsense, malarkey More Synonyms of absurd

Video: pronunciation of
absurd

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Word Frequency

absurd in British English

(əbˈsɜːd )

adjective

1.

at variance with reason; manifestly false

2.

noun

3. the absurd

See also theatre of the absurd

Derived forms

absurdity (abˈsurdity) or absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

Word origin

C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from ab-1 (intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct

Word Frequency

absurd in American English

(æbˈsɜrd ; æbˈzɜrd ; əbˈsɜrd ; əbˈzɜrd )

adjective

so clearly untrue or unreasonable as to be laughable or ridiculous

SYNONYMY NOTE: absurd means laughably inconsistent with what is judged as true or reasonable [an absurd hypothesis]; ludicrous is applied to what is laughable from incongruity or exaggeration [a ludicrous facial expression]; preposterous is used to describe anything flagrantly absurd or ludicrous; , foolish describes that which shows lack of good judgment or of common sense [don't take foolish chances]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF, ridiculous apply to whatever excites amusement or contempt by reason of its extreme foolishness, , UNRESOLVED CROSS REF often indicating an utterly nonsensical quality

OPPOSITES: sensible, logical

Derived forms

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

Word origin

Fr absurde < L absurdus, not to be heard of < ab-, intens. + surdus, dull, deaf, insensible

Word Frequency

absurd

(æbsɜːʳd )

adjective

If you say that something is absurd, you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense.

[disapproval]

It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for teachers.

I've known clients of mine go to absurd lengths, just to avoid paying me a few pounds.

That's absurd.

Synonyms: ridiculous, crazy [informal], silly, incredible More Synonyms of absurd

The absurd is something that is absurd.

[formal]

Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd.

absurdly adverb

Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion.

Absurdly, it makes shoppers overpay farmers to grow too much food.

Synonyms: ridiculously, incredibly, unbelievably, foolishly More Synonyms of absurd

absurdity (æbsɜːʳdɪti )Word forms: plural absurdities variable noun

I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the situation. [+ of]

...the absurdities of fashionable childcare methods.

Synonyms: ridiculousness, joke, nonsense, malarkey More Synonyms of absurd

Video: pronunciation of
absurd

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Word Frequency

absurd in British English

(əbˈsɜːd )

adjective

1.

at variance with reason; manifestly false

2.

noun

3. the absurd

See also theatre of the absurd

Derived forms

absurdity (abˈsurdity) or absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

Word origin

C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from ab-1 (intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct

Word Frequency

absurd in American English

(æbˈsɜrd ; æbˈzɜrd ; əbˈsɜrd ; əbˈzɜrd )

adjective

so clearly untrue or unreasonable as to be laughable or ridiculous

SYNONYMY NOTE: absurd means laughably inconsistent with what is judged as true or reasonable [an absurd hypothesis]; ludicrous is applied to what is laughable from incongruity or exaggeration [a ludicrous facial expression]; preposterous is used to describe anything flagrantly absurd or ludicrous; , foolish describes that which shows lack of good judgment or of common sense [don't take foolish chances]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF, ridiculous apply to whatever excites amusement or contempt by reason of its extreme foolishness, , UNRESOLVED CROSS REF often indicating an utterly nonsensical quality

OPPOSITES: sensible, logical

Derived forms

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

Word origin

Fr absurde < L absurdus, not to be heard of < ab-, intens. + surdus, dull, deaf, insensible

Word Frequency

absurd

(æbsɜːʳd )

adjective

If you say that something is absurd, you are criticizing it because you think that it is ridiculous or that it does not make sense.

[disapproval]

It is absurd to be discussing compulsory redundancy policies for teachers.

I've known clients of mine go to absurd lengths, just to avoid paying me a few pounds.

That's absurd.

Synonyms: ridiculous, crazy [informal], silly, incredible More Synonyms of absurd

The absurd is something that is absurd.

[formal]

Parkinson had a sharp eye for the absurd.

absurdly adverb

Prices were still absurdly low, in his opinion.

Absurdly, it makes shoppers overpay farmers to grow too much food.

Synonyms: ridiculously, incredibly, unbelievably, foolishly More Synonyms of absurd

absurdity (æbsɜːʳdɪti )Word forms: plural absurdities variable noun

I find myself growing increasingly angry at the absurdity of the situation. [+ of]

...the absurdities of fashionable childcare methods.

Synonyms: ridiculousness, joke, nonsense, malarkey More Synonyms of absurd

Video: pronunciation of
absurd

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Word Frequency

absurd in British English

(əbˈsɜːd )

adjective

1.

at variance with reason; manifestly false

2.

noun

3. the absurd

See also theatre of the absurd

Derived forms

absurdity (abˈsurdity) or absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

Word origin

C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant, senseless, from ab-1 (intensive) + surdus dull-sounding, indistinct

Word Frequency

absurd in American English

(æbˈsɜrd ; æbˈzɜrd ; əbˈsɜrd ; əbˈzɜrd )

adjective

so clearly untrue or unreasonable as to be laughable or ridiculous

SYNONYMY NOTE: absurd means laughably inconsistent with what is judged as true or reasonable [an absurd hypothesis]; ludicrous is applied to what is laughable from incongruity or exaggeration [a ludicrous facial expression]; preposterous is used to describe anything flagrantly absurd or ludicrous; , foolish describes that which shows lack of good judgment or of common sense [don't take foolish chances]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF, ridiculous apply to whatever excites amusement or contempt by reason of its extreme foolishness, , UNRESOLVED CROSS REF often indicating an utterly nonsensical quality

OPPOSITES: sensible, logical

Derived forms

absurdly (abˈsurdly)

adverb

absurdness (abˈsurdness)

noun

Word origin

Fr absurde < L absurdus, not to be heard of < ab-, intens. + surdus, dull, deaf, insensible

reductio ad absurdum in British English

(rɪˈdʌktɪəʊ æd æbˈsɜːdəm )

noun

1.

a method of disproving a proposition by showing that its inevitable consequences would be absurd

2.

a method of indirectly proving a proposition by assuming its negation to be true and showing that this leads to an absurdity

3.

application of a principle or proposed principle to an instance in which it is absurd

Word origin

Latin, literally: reduction to the absurd

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reductio ad absurdum in American English

(rɪˈdʌktiˌoʊ æd æbˈsɜrdəm ; rɪˈdʌkʃiˌoʊ )

Latin

Logic

the proof of a proposition by showing its opposite to be an obvious falsity or self-contradiction, or the disproof of a proposition by showing its consequences to be impossible or absurd

Word origin

L, reduction to absurdity

abubble in British English

(əˈbʌbəl)

adjective

1.

(of liquids) bubbling

2.

filled with excitement

soap obsessives are abubble with rumoured plot lines

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abubble in American English

(əˈbʌbəl)

adjective

1.

bubbling, as while cooking or boiling

2.

characterized by intense enthusiasm or activity

The store was abubble with last-minute shoppers

Word origin

[1865–70; a-1 + bubble]This word is first recorded in the period 1865–70. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: batting average, black belt, figure skating, goulash, tick-tack-toea- is a reduced form of the Old English preposition on, meaning “on,” “in,” “into,” “to,” “toward,” preserved before a noun in a prepositional phrase, forming a predicate adjective or an adverbial element (afoot; abed; ashore; aside; away), or before an adjective (afar; aloud; alow), as a moribund prefix with a verb (acknowledge), and in archaic and dialectal use before a present participle in -ing (set the bells aringing); and added to a verb stem with the force of a present participle (ablaze; agape; aglow; astride; and originally, awry)

Word Frequency

abuilding in British English

(əˈbɪldɪŋ)

adjective

in the process of being built or building

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Word Frequency

abuilding in American English

(əˈbɪldɪŋ)

adjective

in the process of building or being built

Word origin

[1525–35; a-1 + build + -ing2]This word is first recorded in the period 1525–35. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: converter, folio, mask, secure, shufflea- is a reduced form of the Old English preposition on, meaning “on,” “in,” “into,” “to,” “toward,” preserved before a noun in a prepositional phrase, forming a predicate adjective or an adverbial element (afoot; abed; ashore; aside; away), or before an adjective (afar; aloud; alow), as a moribund prefix with a verb (acknowledge), and in archaic and dialectal use before a present participle in -ing (set the bells aringing); and added to a verb stem with the force of a present participle (ablaze; agape; aglow; astride; and originally, awry); -ing is a suffix forming the present participle of verbs (walking; thinking), such participles being often used as participial adjectives (warring factions)

Word Frequency

abulia in British English

or aboulia (əˈbuːlɪə , -ˈbjuː-)

noun

psychiatry

a pathological inability to take decisions

Derived forms

abulic (aˈbulic)

adjective

Word origin

C19: New Latin, from Greek aboulia lack of resolution, from a-1 + boulē will

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Word Frequency

abulia in American English

(əˈbuliə ; əˈbjuliə )

noun

Psychology

loss of the ability to exercise will power and make decisions

Derived forms

abulic (aˈbulic) (əˈbjulɪk ; əˈbulɪk )

adjective

Word origin

ModL < Gr aboulia, indecision < a-, without + boulē, will, determination

Word Frequency

abundance

(əbʌndəns )

singular noun [with singular or plural verb, oft in NOUN]

An abundance of something is a large quantity of it.

The area has an abundance of wildlife. [+ of]

Food was in abundance.

More Synonyms of abundance

Video: pronunciation of
abundance

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Word Frequency

abundance in British English

(əˈbʌndəns ) or abundancy (əˈbʌndənsɪ)

noun

1.

a copious supply; great amount

2.

fullness or benevolence

from the abundance of my heart

3.

degree of plentifulness

4. chemistry

the extent to which an element or ion occurs in the earth's crust or some other specified environment: often expressed in parts per million or as a percentage

5. physics

the ratio of the number of atoms of a specific isotope in a mixture of isotopes of an element to the total number of atoms present: often expressed as a percentage

the abundance of neon-22 in natural neon is 8.82 per cent

6. Also called: abondance

a call in solo whist undertaking to make nine tricks

7.

affluence

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin abundantia, from abundāre to abound

Word Frequency

abundance in American English

(əˈbʌndəns )

noun

1.

a great supply; more than sufficient quantity

2.

great plenty; wealth

Word origin

ME aboundaunce < OFr abondaunce < L abundantia < prp. of abundare: see abound

Word Frequency

abundant

(əbʌndənt )

adjective

Something that is abundant is present in large quantities.

There is an abundant supply of cheap labour.

Birds are abundant in the tall vegetation.

Synonyms: plentiful, full, rich, filled More Synonyms of abundant

Video: pronunciation of
abundant

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Word Frequency

abundant in British English

(əˈbʌndənt )

adjective

1.

existing in plentiful supply

2. (postpositive; foll by in)

having a plentiful supply (of)

3.

(of a chemical element or mineral) occurring to an extent specified in relation to other elements or minerals in the earth's crust or some other specified environment

4.

(of an isotope) occurring to an extent specified in relation to other isotopes in a mixture of isotopes

Word origin

C14: from Latin abundant-, present participle of abundāre to abound

Word Frequency

abundant in American English

(əˈbʌndənt )

adjective

1.

very plentiful; more than sufficient; ample

2.

well-supplied; rich (in something)

woods abundant in game

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈplentiful

Derived forms

abundantly (aˈbundantly)

adverb

Word origin

ME aboundaunt < OFr abondaunt < L prp. of abundare: see abound

Word Frequency

abundantly

(əbʌndəntli )

1. adverb [ADVERB adjective]

If something is abundantly clear, it is extremely obvious.

He made it abundantly clear that anybody who disagrees with his policies will not last long.

Synonyms: exceptionally, very, highly, greatly More Synonyms of abundantly

2. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective]

Something that occurs abundantly is present in large quantities.

...a plant that grows abundantly in the United States.

All the pages are abundantly illustrated with colour photographs.

Synonyms: plentifully, greatly, freely, amply More Synonyms of abundantly

Video: pronunciation of
abundantly

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Word Frequency

abundantly in British English

(əˈbʌndəntlɪ )

adverb

1.

very

he made his disagreement with her abundantly clear

2.

plentifully; in abundance

Word Frequency

abusage in British English

(æbˈjuːsɪdʒ)

noun

wrong or improper use

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Word Frequency

abusage in American English

(əˈbjuːsɪdʒ)

noun

improper use of words; unidiomatic or ungrammatical language

Word origin

[1540–50; abuse + -age]This word is first recorded in the period 1540–50. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: cabinet, horizon, machine, monitor, telltale-age is a suffix typically forming mass or abstract nouns from various parts of speech, occurring originally in loanwords from French (voyage; courage) and productive in English with the meanings “aggregate” (coinage; peerage; trackage), “process” (coverage; breakage), “the outcome of” as either “the fact of” or “the physical effect or remains of” (seepage; wreckage; spoilage), “place of living or business” (parsonage; brokerage), “social standing or relationship” (bondage; marriage; patronage), and “quantity, measure, or charge” (footage; shortage; tonnage; towage)

Word Frequency

abuse

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense abuses, present participle abusing , past tense, past participle abused pronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (əbjuːs ). The verb is pronounced (əbjuːz ).

1. uncountable noun

Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them.

...investigation of alleged child abuse.

...victims of sexual and physical abuse.

...controversy over human rights abuses.

2. uncountable noun

Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry.

I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off.

Raft repeatedly hurled verbal abuse at his co-star.

Synonyms: insults, blame, slights, curses More Synonyms of abuse

3. variable noun

Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

What went on here was an abuse of power. [+ of]

...drug and alcohol abuse.

4. verb

If someone is abused, they are treated cruelly and violently.

Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven. [be VERB-ed]

...parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children. [VERB noun]

...those who work with abused children. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: ill-treat, wrong, damage, hurt More Synonyms of abuse

abuser Word forms: plural abusers countable noun

...a convicted child abuser.

5. verb

You can say that someone is abused if extremely rude and insulting things are said to them.

He alleged that he was verbally abused by other soldiers. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: insult, injure, offend, curse More Synonyms of abuse

6. verb

If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: exploit, take advantage of, manipulate, misuse More Synonyms of abuse

abuser countable noun

...the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers.

Video: pronunciation of
abuse

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Word Frequency

abuse in British English

verb (əˈbjuːz ) (transitive)

1.

to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse

2.

to maltreat, esp physically or sexually

3.

to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile

4. (reflexive)

noun (əˈbjuːs )

5.

improper, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse

6.

maltreatment of a person; injury

7.

8.

an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice

9. child abuse

10. archaic

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser)

noun

Word origin

c14 (vb): via Old French from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī to misuse, from ab-1 + ūtī to use

Word Frequency

abuse in American English

(əˈbjuz ; for n., əˈbjus )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbused or aˈbusing

1.

to use wrongly; misuse

to abuse a privilege

2.

a.

to hurt by treating badly; mistreat

b.

to inflict physical, sexual, or psychological harm upon

3.

to use insulting, coarse, or bad language about or to; revile

noun

4.

wrong, bad, or excessive use

5.

mistreatment, esp. by the infliction of physical, sexual, or psychological harm; injury

6.

a bad, unjust, or corrupt custom or practice

7.

insulting or coarse language

8. Obsolete

deception

SIMILAR WORDS: wrong

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser) (əˈbjuzər )

noun

abusable (aˈbusable)

adjective

Word origin

ME abusen < OFr abuser < L abusus, pp. of abuti, misuse < ab-, away, from + uti, to use

Word Frequency

abuse

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense abuses, present participle abusing , past tense, past participle abused pronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (əbjuːs ). The verb is pronounced (əbjuːz ).

1. uncountable noun

Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them.

...investigation of alleged child abuse.

...victims of sexual and physical abuse.

...controversy over human rights abuses.

2. uncountable noun

Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry.

I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off.

Raft repeatedly hurled verbal abuse at his co-star.

Synonyms: insults, blame, slights, curses More Synonyms of abuse

3. variable noun

Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

What went on here was an abuse of power. [+ of]

...drug and alcohol abuse.

4. verb

If someone is abused, they are treated cruelly and violently.

Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven. [be VERB-ed]

...parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children. [VERB noun]

...those who work with abused children. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: ill-treat, wrong, damage, hurt More Synonyms of abuse

abuser Word forms: plural abusers countable noun

...a convicted child abuser.

5. verb

You can say that someone is abused if extremely rude and insulting things are said to them.

He alleged that he was verbally abused by other soldiers. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: insult, injure, offend, curse More Synonyms of abuse

6. verb

If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: exploit, take advantage of, manipulate, misuse More Synonyms of abuse

abuser countable noun

...the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers.

Video: pronunciation of
abuse

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Word Frequency

abuse in British English

verb (əˈbjuːz ) (transitive)

1.

to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse

2.

to maltreat, esp physically or sexually

3.

to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile

4. (reflexive)

noun (əˈbjuːs )

5.

improper, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse

6.

maltreatment of a person; injury

7.

8.

an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice

9. child abuse

10. archaic

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser)

noun

Word origin

c14 (vb): via Old French from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī to misuse, from ab-1 + ūtī to use

Word Frequency

abuse in American English

(əˈbjuz ; for n., əˈbjus )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbused or aˈbusing

1.

to use wrongly; misuse

to abuse a privilege

2.

a.

to hurt by treating badly; mistreat

b.

to inflict physical, sexual, or psychological harm upon

3.

to use insulting, coarse, or bad language about or to; revile

noun

4.

wrong, bad, or excessive use

5.

mistreatment, esp. by the infliction of physical, sexual, or psychological harm; injury

6.

a bad, unjust, or corrupt custom or practice

7.

insulting or coarse language

8. Obsolete

deception

SIMILAR WORDS: wrong

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser) (əˈbjuzər )

noun

abusable (aˈbusable)

adjective

Word origin

ME abusen < OFr abuser < L abusus, pp. of abuti, misuse < ab-, away, from + uti, to use

Word Frequency

abuse

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense abuses, present participle abusing , past tense, past participle abused pronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (əbjuːs ). The verb is pronounced (əbjuːz ).

1. uncountable noun

Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them.

...investigation of alleged child abuse.

...victims of sexual and physical abuse.

...controversy over human rights abuses.

2. uncountable noun

Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry.

I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off.

Raft repeatedly hurled verbal abuse at his co-star.

Synonyms: insults, blame, slights, curses More Synonyms of abuse

3. variable noun

Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

What went on here was an abuse of power. [+ of]

...drug and alcohol abuse.

4. verb

If someone is abused, they are treated cruelly and violently.

Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven. [be VERB-ed]

...parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children. [VERB noun]

...those who work with abused children. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: ill-treat, wrong, damage, hurt More Synonyms of abuse

abuser Word forms: plural abusers countable noun

...a convicted child abuser.

5. verb

You can say that someone is abused if extremely rude and insulting things are said to them.

He alleged that he was verbally abused by other soldiers. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: insult, injure, offend, curse More Synonyms of abuse

6. verb

If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: exploit, take advantage of, manipulate, misuse More Synonyms of abuse

abuser countable noun

...the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers.

Video: pronunciation of
abuse

You may also like

Word Frequency

abuse in British English

verb (əˈbjuːz ) (transitive)

1.

to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse

2.

to maltreat, esp physically or sexually

3.

to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile

4. (reflexive)

noun (əˈbjuːs )

5.

improper, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse

6.

maltreatment of a person; injury

7.

8.

an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice

9. child abuse

10. archaic

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser)

noun

Word origin

c14 (vb): via Old French from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī to misuse, from ab-1 + ūtī to use

Word Frequency

abuse in American English

(əˈbjuz ; for n., əˈbjus )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbused or aˈbusing

1.

to use wrongly; misuse

to abuse a privilege

2.

a.

to hurt by treating badly; mistreat

b.

to inflict physical, sexual, or psychological harm upon

3.

to use insulting, coarse, or bad language about or to; revile

noun

4.

wrong, bad, or excessive use

5.

mistreatment, esp. by the infliction of physical, sexual, or psychological harm; injury

6.

a bad, unjust, or corrupt custom or practice

7.

insulting or coarse language

8. Obsolete

deception

SIMILAR WORDS: wrong

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser) (əˈbjuzər )

noun

abusable (aˈbusable)

adjective

Word origin

ME abusen < OFr abuser < L abusus, pp. of abuti, misuse < ab-, away, from + uti, to use

abuse

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense abuses, present participle abusing , past tense, past participle abused pronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (əbjuːs ). The verb is pronounced (əbjuːz ).

1. uncountable noun

Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them.

...investigation of alleged child abuse.

...victims of sexual and physical abuse.

...controversy over human rights abuses.

2. uncountable noun

Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry.

I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off.

Raft repeatedly hurled verbal abuse at his co-star.

Synonyms: insults, blame, slights, curses More Synonyms of abuse

3. variable noun

Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

What went on here was an abuse of power. [+ of]

...drug and alcohol abuse.

4. verb

If someone is abused, they are treated cruelly and violently.

Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven. [be VERB-ed]

...parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children. [VERB noun]

...those who work with abused children. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: ill-treat, wrong, damage, hurt More Synonyms of abuse

abuser Word forms: plural abusers countable noun

...a convicted child abuser.

5. verb

You can say that someone is abused if extremely rude and insulting things are said to them.

He alleged that he was verbally abused by other soldiers. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: insult, injure, offend, curse More Synonyms of abuse

6. verb

If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: exploit, take advantage of, manipulate, misuse More Synonyms of abuse

abuser countable noun

...the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers.

Video: pronunciation of
abuse

You may also like

abuse in British English

verb (əˈbjuːz ) (transitive)

1.

to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse

2.

to maltreat, esp physically or sexually

3.

to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile

4. (reflexive)

noun (əˈbjuːs )

5.

improper, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse

6.

maltreatment of a person; injury

7.

8.

an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice

9. child abuse

10. archaic

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser)

noun

Word origin

c14 (vb): via Old French from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī to misuse, from ab-1 + ūtī to use

abuse in American English

(əˈbjuz ; for n., əˈbjus )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbused or aˈbusing

1.

to use wrongly; misuse

to abuse a privilege

2.

a.

to hurt by treating badly; mistreat

b.

to inflict physical, sexual, or psychological harm upon

3.

to use insulting, coarse, or bad language about or to; revile

noun

4.

wrong, bad, or excessive use

5.

mistreatment, esp. by the infliction of physical, sexual, or psychological harm; injury

6.

a bad, unjust, or corrupt custom or practice

7.

insulting or coarse language

8. Obsolete

deception

SIMILAR WORDS: wrong

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser) (əˈbjuzər )

noun

abusable (aˈbusable)

adjective

Word origin

ME abusen < OFr abuser < L abusus, pp. of abuti, misuse < ab-, away, from + uti, to use

Word Frequency

abuse

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense abuses, present participle abusing , past tense, past participle abused pronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (əbjuːs ). The verb is pronounced (əbjuːz ).

1. uncountable noun

Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them.

...investigation of alleged child abuse.

...victims of sexual and physical abuse.

...controversy over human rights abuses.

2. uncountable noun

Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry.

I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off.

Raft repeatedly hurled verbal abuse at his co-star.

Synonyms: insults, blame, slights, curses More Synonyms of abuse

3. variable noun

Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

What went on here was an abuse of power. [+ of]

...drug and alcohol abuse.

4. verb

If someone is abused, they are treated cruelly and violently.

Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven. [be VERB-ed]

...parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children. [VERB noun]

...those who work with abused children. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: ill-treat, wrong, damage, hurt More Synonyms of abuse

abuser Word forms: plural abusers countable noun

...a convicted child abuser.

5. verb

You can say that someone is abused if extremely rude and insulting things are said to them.

He alleged that he was verbally abused by other soldiers. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: insult, injure, offend, curse More Synonyms of abuse

6. verb

If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: exploit, take advantage of, manipulate, misuse More Synonyms of abuse

abuser countable noun

...the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers.

Video: pronunciation of
abuse

You may also like

Word Frequency

abuse in British English

verb (əˈbjuːz ) (transitive)

1.

to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse

2.

to maltreat, esp physically or sexually

3.

to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile

4. (reflexive)

noun (əˈbjuːs )

5.

improper, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse

6.

maltreatment of a person; injury

7.

8.

an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice

9. child abuse

10. archaic

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser)

noun

Word origin

c14 (vb): via Old French from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī to misuse, from ab-1 + ūtī to use

Word Frequency

abuse in American English

(əˈbjuz ; for n., əˈbjus )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbused or aˈbusing

1.

to use wrongly; misuse

to abuse a privilege

2.

a.

to hurt by treating badly; mistreat

b.

to inflict physical, sexual, or psychological harm upon

3.

to use insulting, coarse, or bad language about or to; revile

noun

4.

wrong, bad, or excessive use

5.

mistreatment, esp. by the infliction of physical, sexual, or psychological harm; injury

6.

a bad, unjust, or corrupt custom or practice

7.

insulting or coarse language

8. Obsolete

deception

SIMILAR WORDS: wrong

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser) (əˈbjuzər )

noun

abusable (aˈbusable)

adjective

Word origin

ME abusen < OFr abuser < L abusus, pp. of abuti, misuse < ab-, away, from + uti, to use

abuse

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense abuses, present participle abusing , past tense, past participle abused pronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (əbjuːs ). The verb is pronounced (əbjuːz ).

1. uncountable noun

Abuse of someone is cruel and violent treatment of them.

...investigation of alleged child abuse.

...victims of sexual and physical abuse.

...controversy over human rights abuses.

2. uncountable noun

Abuse is extremely rude and insulting things that people say when they are angry.

I was left shouting abuse as the car sped off.

Raft repeatedly hurled verbal abuse at his co-star.

Synonyms: insults, blame, slights, curses More Synonyms of abuse

3. variable noun

Abuse of something is the use of it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

What went on here was an abuse of power. [+ of]

...drug and alcohol abuse.

4. verb

If someone is abused, they are treated cruelly and violently.

Janet had been abused by her father since she was eleven. [be VERB-ed]

...parents who feel they cannot cope or might abuse their children. [VERB noun]

...those who work with abused children. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: ill-treat, wrong, damage, hurt More Synonyms of abuse

abuser Word forms: plural abusers countable noun

...a convicted child abuser.

5. verb

You can say that someone is abused if extremely rude and insulting things are said to them.

He alleged that he was verbally abused by other soldiers. [be VERB-ed]

Synonyms: insult, injure, offend, curse More Synonyms of abuse

6. verb

If you abuse something, you use it in a wrong way or for a bad purpose.

He showed how the rich and powerful can abuse their position. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: exploit, take advantage of, manipulate, misuse More Synonyms of abuse

abuser countable noun

...the treatment of alcohol and drug abusers.

Video: pronunciation of
abuse

You may also like

abuse in British English

verb (əˈbjuːz ) (transitive)

1.

to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse

2.

to maltreat, esp physically or sexually

3.

to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile

4. (reflexive)

noun (əˈbjuːs )

5.

improper, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse

6.

maltreatment of a person; injury

7.

8.

an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice

9. child abuse

10. archaic

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser)

noun

Word origin

c14 (vb): via Old French from Latin abūsus, past participle of abūtī to misuse, from ab-1 + ūtī to use

abuse in American English

(əˈbjuz ; for n., əˈbjus )

verb transitiveWord forms: aˈbused or aˈbusing

1.

to use wrongly; misuse

to abuse a privilege

2.

a.

to hurt by treating badly; mistreat

b.

to inflict physical, sexual, or psychological harm upon

3.

to use insulting, coarse, or bad language about or to; revile

noun

4.

wrong, bad, or excessive use

5.

mistreatment, esp. by the infliction of physical, sexual, or psychological harm; injury

6.

a bad, unjust, or corrupt custom or practice

7.

insulting or coarse language

8. Obsolete

deception

SIMILAR WORDS: wrong

Derived forms

abuser (aˈbuser) (əˈbjuzər )

noun

abusable (aˈbusable)

adjective

Word origin

ME abusen < OFr abuser < L abusus, pp. of abuti, misuse < ab-, away, from + uti, to use

Word Frequency

abusive

(əbjuːsɪv )

1. adjective

Someone who is abusive behaves in a cruel and violent way towards other people.

He became violent and abusive toward Ben's mother.

One in eight women lives in an abusive relationship.

...her cruel and abusive husband.

2. adjective

Abusive language is extremely rude and insulting.

He was alleged to have used abusive language.

Synonyms: insulting, offensive, rude, degrading More Synonyms of abusive

More Synonyms of abusive

Video: pronunciation of
abusive

You may also like

Word Frequency

abusive in British English

(əˈbjuːsɪv )

adjective

1.

characterized by insulting or coarse language

2.

characterized by maltreatment

3.

incorrectly used; corrupt

Derived forms

abusively (aˈbusively)

adverb

abusiveness (aˈbusiveness)

noun

Word Frequency

abusive in American English

(əˈbjusɪv ; also, əˈbjuzɪv )

adjective

1.

involving or characterized by abuse or misuse; abusing; mistreating

2.

coarse and insulting in language; scurrilous; harshly scolding

Derived forms

abusively (aˈbusively)

adverb

abusiveness (aˈbusiveness)

noun

Word origin

Fr abusif < L abusivus < abusus: see abuse

Word Frequency

abusive

(əbjuːsɪv )

1. adjective

Someone who is abusive behaves in a cruel and violent way towards other people.

He became violent and abusive toward Ben's mother.

One in eight women lives in an abusive relationship.

...her cruel and abusive husband.

2. adjective

Abusive language is extremely rude and insulting.

He was alleged to have used abusive language.

Synonyms: insulting, offensive, rude, degrading More Synonyms of abusive

More Synonyms of abusive

Video: pronunciation of
abusive

You may also like

Word Frequency

abusive in British English

(əˈbjuːsɪv )

adjective

1.

characterized by insulting or coarse language

2.

characterized by maltreatment

3.

incorrectly used; corrupt

Derived forms

abusively (aˈbusively)

adverb

abusiveness (aˈbusiveness)

noun

Word Frequency

abusive in American English

(əˈbjusɪv ; also, əˈbjuzɪv )

adjective

1.

involving or characterized by abuse or misuse; abusing; mistreating

2.

coarse and insulting in language; scurrilous; harshly scolding

Derived forms

abusively (aˈbusively)

adverb

abusiveness (aˈbusiveness)

noun

Word origin

Fr abusif < L abusivus < abusus: see abuse

Word Frequency

abusive

(əbjuːsɪv )

1. adjective

Someone who is abusive behaves in a cruel and violent way towards other people.

He became violent and abusive toward Ben's mother.

One in eight women lives in an abusive relationship.

...her cruel and abusive husband.

2. adjective

Abusive language is extremely rude and insulting.

He was alleged to have used abusive language.

Synonyms: insulting, offensive, rude, degrading More Synonyms of abusive

More Synonyms of abusive

Video: pronunciation of
abusive

You may also like

Word Frequency

abusive in British English

(əˈbjuːsɪv )

adjective

1.

characterized by insulting or coarse language

2.

characterized by maltreatment

3.

incorrectly used; corrupt

Derived forms

abusively (aˈbusively)

adverb

abusiveness (aˈbusiveness)

noun

Word Frequency

abusive in American English

(əˈbjusɪv ; also, əˈbjuzɪv )

adjective

1.

involving or characterized by abuse or misuse; abusing; mistreating

2.

coarse and insulting in language; scurrilous; harshly scolding

Derived forms

abusively (aˈbusively)

adverb

abusiveness (aˈbusiveness)

noun

Word origin

Fr abusif < L abusivus < abusus: see abuse

Word Frequency

abut

(əbʌt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abuts , present participle abutting , past tense, past participle abutted

verb

When land or a building abuts something or abuts on something, it is next to it.

[formal]

One edge of the garden abutted on an old entrance to the mine. [VERB on noun]

He was born in 1768 in the house abutting our hotel. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: adjoin, join, touch, border More Synonyms of abut

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Word Frequency

abut in British English

(əˈbʌt )

verbWord forms: abuts, abutting or abutted

(usually foll by on, upon, or against)

to adjoin, touch, or border on (something) at one end

Word origin

C15: from Old French abouter to join at the ends, border on; influenced by abuter to touch at an end, buttress

Word Frequency

abut in American English

(əˈbʌt )

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbutted or aˈbutting

1.

to end (on) or lean (upon) at one end; border (on); terminate (against)

verb transitive

2.

to end at; border upon

Word origin

ME aboutien < OFr abouter, to join end to end < a-, to + bout, end

Word Frequency

abutilon in British English

(əˈbjuːtɪlən )

noun

any shrub or herbaceous plant of the malvaceous genus Abutilon, such as the flowering maple, that have showy white, yellow, or red flowers

Word origin

C18: New Latin from Arabic

Image of
abutilon

You may also like

Word Frequency

abutilon in American English

(əˈbjutəlˌɑn )

noun

any of a number of related plants or shrubs (genus Abutilon) of the mallow family, with showy flowers of white, yellow, or red

Word origin

ModL < Ar aubūṭīlūn

Word Frequency

abutilon in British English

(əˈbjuːtɪlən )

noun

any shrub or herbaceous plant of the malvaceous genus Abutilon, such as the flowering maple, that have showy white, yellow, or red flowers

Word origin

C18: New Latin from Arabic

Image of
abutilon

You may also like

Word Frequency

abutilon in American English

(əˈbjutəlˌɑn )

noun

any of a number of related plants or shrubs (genus Abutilon) of the mallow family, with showy flowers of white, yellow, or red

Word origin

ModL < Ar aubūṭīlūn

Word Frequency

abutilon in British English

(əˈbjuːtɪlən )

noun

any shrub or herbaceous plant of the malvaceous genus Abutilon, such as the flowering maple, that have showy white, yellow, or red flowers

Word origin

C18: New Latin from Arabic

Image of
abutilon

You may also like

Word Frequency

abutilon in American English

(əˈbjutəlˌɑn )

noun

any of a number of related plants or shrubs (genus Abutilon) of the mallow family, with showy flowers of white, yellow, or red

Word origin

ModL < Ar aubūṭīlūn

Word Frequency

abutment in British English

(əˈbʌtmənt ) or abuttal

noun

1.

the state or process of abutting

2.

a.

something that abuts

b.

the thing on which something abuts

c.

the point of junction between them

3. architecture, civil engineering

a construction that takes the thrust of an arch or vault or supports the end of a bridge

You may also like

Word Frequency

abutment in American English

(əˈbʌtmənt )

noun

1.

the act or an instance of abutting

2.

something that abuts or borders upon something else

3.

the point of contact between a support and the thing supported

4.

a.

that part of a support which carries the weight of an arch and resists its pressure

b.

the supporting structure at either end of a bridge

Word Frequency

abutment in British English

(əˈbʌtmənt ) or abuttal

noun

1.

the state or process of abutting

2.

a.

something that abuts

b.

the thing on which something abuts

c.

the point of junction between them

3. architecture, civil engineering

a construction that takes the thrust of an arch or vault or supports the end of a bridge

You may also like

Word Frequency

abutment in American English

(əˈbʌtmənt )

noun

1.

the act or an instance of abutting

2.

something that abuts or borders upon something else

3.

the point of contact between a support and the thing supported

4.

a.

that part of a support which carries the weight of an arch and resists its pressure

b.

the supporting structure at either end of a bridge

Word Frequency

abut

(əbʌt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense abuts , present participle abutting , past tense, past participle abutted

verb

When land or a building abuts something or abuts on something, it is next to it.

[formal]

One edge of the garden abutted on an old entrance to the mine. [VERB on noun]

He was born in 1768 in the house abutting our hotel. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: adjoin, join, touch, border More Synonyms of abut

You may also like

Word Frequency

abut in British English

(əˈbʌt )

verbWord forms: abuts, abutting or abutted

(usually foll by on, upon, or against)

to adjoin, touch, or border on (something) at one end

Word origin

C15: from Old French abouter to join at the ends, border on; influenced by abuter to touch at an end, buttress

Word Frequency

abut in American English

(əˈbʌt )

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈbutted or aˈbutting

1.

to end (on) or lean (upon) at one end; border (on); terminate (against)

verb transitive

2.

to end at; border upon

Word origin

ME aboutien < OFr abouter, to join end to end < a-, to + bout, end

Word Frequency

abutment in British English

(əˈbʌtmənt ) or abuttal

noun

1.

the state or process of abutting

2.

a.

something that abuts

b.

the thing on which something abuts

c.

the point of junction between them

3. architecture, civil engineering

a construction that takes the thrust of an arch or vault or supports the end of a bridge

You may also like

Word Frequency

abutment in American English

(əˈbʌtmənt )

noun

1.

the act or an instance of abutting

2.

something that abuts or borders upon something else

3.

the point of contact between a support and the thing supported

4.

a.

that part of a support which carries the weight of an arch and resists its pressure

b.

the supporting structure at either end of a bridge

Word Frequency

abuttals in British English

(əˈbʌtəlz )

plural noun

property law

the boundaries of a plot of land where it abuts against other property

You may also like

Word Frequency

abuttals in American English

(əˈbʌtəlz )

plural noun

abutting parts of land; boundaries

abutter in British English

(əˈbʌtə )

noun

property law

the owner of adjoining property

You may also like

abutter in American English

(əˈbʌtər )

US

noun

the owner of abutting land

abutter in American English

(əˈbʌtər)

noun

a person who owns adjacent land

Word origin

[1665–75, Amer.; abut + -er1]This word is first recorded in the period 1665–75. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: diffraction, group, newsletter, recessive, wig-er is a suffix used in forming nouns designating persons from the object of their occupation or labor (hatter; tiler; tinner; moonshiner), or from their place of origin or abode (Icelander; southerner; villager), or designating either persons or things from some special characteristic or circumstance (six-footer; three-master; teetotaler; fiver; tenner)

abutter in British English

(əˈbʌtə )

noun

property law

the owner of adjoining property

You may also like

abutter in American English

(əˈbʌtər )

US

noun

the owner of abutting land

abutter in American English

(əˈbʌtər)

noun

a person who owns adjacent land

Word origin

[1665–75, Amer.; abut + -er1]This word is first recorded in the period 1665–75. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: diffraction, group, newsletter, recessive, wig-er is a suffix used in forming nouns designating persons from the object of their occupation or labor (hatter; tiler; tinner; moonshiner), or from their place of origin or abode (Icelander; southerner; villager), or designating either persons or things from some special characteristic or circumstance (six-footer; three-master; teetotaler; fiver; tenner)

Word Frequency

abuzz

(əbʌz )

adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone says that a place is abuzz with rumours or plans, they mean that everyone there is excited about them.

[journalism]

Washington has been abuzz with stories about disarray inside the White House.

You may also like

Word Frequency

abuzz in British English

(əˈbʌz )

adjective

(postpositive)

humming, as with conversation, activity, etc; buzzing

Word Frequency

abuzz in American English

(əˈbʌz )

adjective

1.

filled with buzzing

2.

full of activity, talk, etc.

Word Frequency

aby in British English

or abye (əˈbaɪ )

verbWord forms: abys, abyes, abying or abought

(transitive) archaic

to pay the penalty for; redeem

Word origin

Old English ābycgan to pay for, atone for, from bycgan to buy

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Word Frequency

aby in American English

(əˈbaɪ ) or aˈbye (əˈbaɪ )

verb transitiveWord forms: pt. & pp.aˈbought (əˈbɔt )

Archaic

to pay the penalty for

Word origin

ME abien < OE abycgan < a-, for bycgan, buy

Word Frequency

Abydos in British English

(əˈbaɪdəs )

noun

1.

an ancient town in central Egypt: site of many temples and tombs

2.

an ancient Greek colony on the Asiatic side of the Dardanelles ( Hellespont): scene of the legend of Hero and Leander

Image of
Abydos

You may also like

Word Frequency

Abydos in American English

(əˈbaɪˌdɑs )

1.

ancient city in Asia Minor, on the Hellespont

2.

ancient city in central Egypt, near the Nile, north of Thebes

Word Frequency

aby in British English

or abye (əˈbaɪ )

verbWord forms: abys, abyes, abying or abought

(transitive) archaic

to pay the penalty for; redeem

Word origin

Old English ābycgan to pay for, atone for, from bycgan to buy

You may also like

Word Frequency

aby in American English

(əˈbaɪ ) or aˈbye (əˈbaɪ )

verb transitiveWord forms: pt. & pp.aˈbought (əˈbɔt )

Archaic

to pay the penalty for

Word origin

ME abien < OE abycgan < a-, for bycgan, buy

Word Frequency

abysm in British English

(əˈbɪzəm )

noun

an archaic word for abyss

Word origin

C13: via Old French from Medieval Latin abysmus abyss

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Word Frequency

abysm in American English

(əˈbɪzəm )

noun

OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

an abyss

Word origin

OFr abisme < ML abysmus, altered after suffix -ismus (see -ism) < L abyssus: see abyss

Word Frequency

abysmal

(əbɪzməl )

adjective

If you describe a situation or the condition of something as abysmal, you think that it is very bad or poor in quality.

...our abysmal record at producing a scientifically trained workforce.

The general standard of racing was abysmal.

Synonyms: dreadful, bad, terrible [informal], awful More Synonyms of abysmal

abysmally adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB after verb]

The standard of education was abysmally low.

As the chart shows, it has failed abysmally.

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Word Frequency

abysmal in British English

(əˈbɪzməl )

adjective

1.

immeasurable; very great

abysmal stupidity

2. informal

extremely bad

an abysmal film

Derived forms

abysmally (aˈbysmally)

adverb

Word Frequency

abysmal in American English

(əˈbɪzməl )

adjective

1.

of or like an abyss; bottomless; unfathomable

2.

wretched to the point of despair; immeasurably bad

abysmal poverty

Derived forms

abysmally (aˈbysmally)

adverb

Word origin

abysm + -al

Word Frequency

abysmal

(əbɪzməl )

adjective

If you describe a situation or the condition of something as abysmal, you think that it is very bad or poor in quality.

...our abysmal record at producing a scientifically trained workforce.

The general standard of racing was abysmal.

Synonyms: dreadful, bad, terrible [informal], awful More Synonyms of abysmal

abysmally adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB after verb]

The standard of education was abysmally low.

As the chart shows, it has failed abysmally.

You may also like

Word Frequency

abysmal in British English

(əˈbɪzməl )

adjective

1.

immeasurable; very great

abysmal stupidity

2. informal

extremely bad

an abysmal film

Derived forms

abysmally (aˈbysmally)

adverb

Word Frequency

abysmal in American English

(əˈbɪzməl )

adjective

1.

of or like an abyss; bottomless; unfathomable

2.

wretched to the point of despair; immeasurably bad

abysmal poverty

Derived forms

abysmally (aˈbysmally)

adverb

Word origin

abysm + -al

Word Frequency

abysm in British English

(əˈbɪzəm )

noun

an archaic word for abyss

Word origin

C13: via Old French from Medieval Latin abysmus abyss

You may also like

Word Frequency

abysm in American English

(əˈbɪzəm )

noun

OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

an abyss

Word origin

OFr abisme < ML abysmus, altered after suffix -ismus (see -ism) < L abyssus: see abyss

Word Frequency

abyss

(æbɪs )

Word forms: plural abysses

1. countable noun [usually singular]

An abyss is a very deep hole in the ground.

[literary]

2. countable noun [usually singular]

If someone is on the edge or brink of an abyss, they are about to enter into a very frightening or threatening situation.

[literary]

He felt he was on the edge of an abyss; one false move and he was done for.

The country was on the brink of an abyss.

Synonyms: cataclysm, collapse, disaster, catastrophe More Synonyms of abyss

3. countable noun [usually singular, with supplement]

A very great difference between two people, things, or groups can be referred to as an abyss.

[literary]

How big is the abyss between what you think you are and what you actually are?

Synonyms: gap, difference, gulf, split More Synonyms of abyss

More Synonyms of abyss

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Word Frequency

abyss in British English

(əˈbɪs )

noun

1.

a very deep or unfathomable gorge or chasm

2.

anything that appears to be endless or immeasurably deep, such as time, despair, or shame

3.

hell or the infernal regions conceived of as a bottomless pit

Word origin

C16: via Late Latin from Greek abussos bottomless (as in the phrase abussos limnē bottomless lake), from a-1 + bussos depth

Word Frequency

abyss in American English

(əˈbɪs )

noun

1.

a deep fissure in the earth; bottomless gulf; chasm

2.

anything too deep for measurement; profound depth

abyss of shame, of time, etc.

3.

the ocean depths

4. Theology

the primeval void or chaos before the Creation

Derived forms

abyssal (aˈbyssal) (əˈbɪsəl )

adjective

Word origin

L abyssus < Gr abyssos < a-, without + byssos, bottom

Word Frequency

abyss

(æbɪs )

Word forms: plural abysses

1. countable noun [usually singular]

An abyss is a very deep hole in the ground.

[literary]

2. countable noun [usually singular]

If someone is on the edge or brink of an abyss, they are about to enter into a very frightening or threatening situation.

[literary]

He felt he was on the edge of an abyss; one false move and he was done for.

The country was on the brink of an abyss.

Synonyms: cataclysm, collapse, disaster, catastrophe More Synonyms of abyss

3. countable noun [usually singular, with supplement]

A very great difference between two people, things, or groups can be referred to as an abyss.

[literary]

How big is the abyss between what you think you are and what you actually are?

Synonyms: gap, difference, gulf, split More Synonyms of abyss

More Synonyms of abyss

You may also like

Word Frequency

abyss in British English

(əˈbɪs )

noun

1.

a very deep or unfathomable gorge or chasm

2.

anything that appears to be endless or immeasurably deep, such as time, despair, or shame

3.

hell or the infernal regions conceived of as a bottomless pit

Word origin

C16: via Late Latin from Greek abussos bottomless (as in the phrase abussos limnē bottomless lake), from a-1 + bussos depth

Word Frequency

abyss in American English

(əˈbɪs )

noun

1.

a deep fissure in the earth; bottomless gulf; chasm

2.

anything too deep for measurement; profound depth

abyss of shame, of time, etc.

3.

the ocean depths

4. Theology

the primeval void or chaos before the Creation

Derived forms

abyssal (aˈbyssal) (əˈbɪsəl )

adjective

Word origin

L abyssus < Gr abyssos < a-, without + byssos, bottom

Word Frequency

abyss

(æbɪs )

Word forms: plural abysses

1. countable noun [usually singular]

An abyss is a very deep hole in the ground.

[literary]

2. countable noun [usually singular]

If someone is on the edge or brink of an abyss, they are about to enter into a very frightening or threatening situation.

[literary]

He felt he was on the edge of an abyss; one false move and he was done for.

The country was on the brink of an abyss.

Synonyms: cataclysm, collapse, disaster, catastrophe More Synonyms of abyss

3. countable noun [usually singular, with supplement]

A very great difference between two people, things, or groups can be referred to as an abyss.

[literary]

How big is the abyss between what you think you are and what you actually are?

Synonyms: gap, difference, gulf, split More Synonyms of abyss

More Synonyms of abyss

You may also like

Word Frequency

abyss in British English

(əˈbɪs )

noun

1.

a very deep or unfathomable gorge or chasm

2.

anything that appears to be endless or immeasurably deep, such as time, despair, or shame

3.

hell or the infernal regions conceived of as a bottomless pit

Word origin

C16: via Late Latin from Greek abussos bottomless (as in the phrase abussos limnē bottomless lake), from a-1 + bussos depth

Word Frequency

abyss in American English

(əˈbɪs )

noun

1.

a deep fissure in the earth; bottomless gulf; chasm

2.

anything too deep for measurement; profound depth

abyss of shame, of time, etc.

3.

the ocean depths

4. Theology

the primeval void or chaos before the Creation

Derived forms

abyssal (aˈbyssal) (əˈbɪsəl )

adjective

Word origin

L abyssus < Gr abyssos < a-, without + byssos, bottom

Word Frequency

Abyssinia in British English

(ˌæbɪˈsɪnɪə )

noun

a former name for Ethiopia

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Word Frequency

Abyssinia in American English

(ˌæbəˈsɪniə )

Obsolete

Ethiopia

Word Frequency

Abyssinia in British English

(ˌæbɪˈsɪnɪə )

noun

a former name for Ethiopia

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Word Frequency

Abyssinia in American English

(ˌæbəˈsɪniə )

Obsolete

Ethiopia

Word Frequency

Abyssinian in British English

(ˌæbɪˈsɪnɪən )

noun

1.

a native or inhabitant of Abyssinia

adjective

2.

of or relating to Abyssinia or its inhabitants

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Word Frequency

Abyssinian in American English

(ˌæbəˈsɪniən )

noun

1.

Ethiopian

2.

any of a breed of short-haired domestic cat, ruddy brown or reddish in color, with a rounded, wedge-shaped head, originating in Egypt or Ethiopia (Abyssinia)

adjective

3.

Ethiopian (sense 1)

Word Frequency

Abyssinian in British English

(ˌæbɪˈsɪnɪən )

noun

1.

a native or inhabitant of Abyssinia

adjective

2.

of or relating to Abyssinia or its inhabitants

You may also like

Word Frequency

Abyssinian in American English

(ˌæbəˈsɪniən )

noun

1.

Ethiopian

2.

any of a breed of short-haired domestic cat, ruddy brown or reddish in color, with a rounded, wedge-shaped head, originating in Egypt or Ethiopia (Abyssinia)

adjective

3.

Ethiopian (sense 1)

Word Frequency

Abyssinian in British English

(ˌæbɪˈsɪnɪən )

noun

1.

a native or inhabitant of Abyssinia

adjective

2.

of or relating to Abyssinia or its inhabitants

You may also like

Word Frequency

Abyssinian in American English

(ˌæbəˈsɪniən )

noun

1.

Ethiopian

2.

any of a breed of short-haired domestic cat, ruddy brown or reddish in color, with a rounded, wedge-shaped head, originating in Egypt or Ethiopia (Abyssinia)

adjective

3.

Ethiopian (sense 1)

Word Frequency

AC

(eɪ siː )

uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]

AC is used to refer to an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. AC is an abbreviation for 'alternating current'.

In Europe, AC is usually generated at 50 Hz.

...a portable AC generator.

You may also like

Word Frequency

ac in British English

the internet domain name for

Ascension Island

Word Frequency

Ac in British English

the chemical symbol for

Word Frequency

AC in British English

abbreviation for

1.

Compare DC

2.

air conditioning

3.

ante Christum

4.

Air Corps

5.

6.

Companion of the Order of Australia

7.

appellation d'origine contrô lée: the highest French wine classification; indicates that the wine meets strict requirements concerning area of production, strength, etc

8.

Aelodau'r Cynulliad: Member of the Assembly (that is, the National Assembly of Wales)

Word origin

(for sense 3) Latin: before Christ

Word Frequency

a.c. in British English

obsolete

abbreviation for

(in prescriptions) ante cibum

Word origin

Latin: before meals

Word Frequency

AC in American English

1.

air conditioning

2.

alternating current

3.

Athletic Club

4.

before Christ

5. Pharmacy

before meals

ac Also, for senses AC (sense 1) AC (sense 2) AC (sense 5)

Word origin

(sense 4) L Ante Christum; (sense 5) L ante cibum

Word Frequency

Ac in American English 1

Bible

Acts

Word Frequency

Ac in American English 2

Chemistry

actinium

Word Frequency

aC in American English

abcoulomb(s)

Word Frequency

ac in American English

1.

2.

acre(s)

Word Frequency

ac- in American English

(æk ; ək ; ɪk )

used before c or q

Word Frequency

a.c. in American English

Pharmacy

before meals

Word origin

L ante cibum

Word Frequency

-ac in American English

(æk ; ək )

1.

characteristic of

elegiac, demoniac

2.

of, relating to

cardiac, coeliac

3.

affected by or having

maniac

▶ USAGE: The resulting adjectives are sometimes used as nouns

Word origin

Fr -aque < L -acus < Gr -akos (or directly < any of these)

Word Frequency

AC

(eɪ siː )

uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]

AC is used to refer to an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. AC is an abbreviation for 'alternating current'.

In Europe, AC is usually generated at 50 Hz.

...a portable AC generator.

You may also like

Word Frequency

ac in British English

the internet domain name for

Ascension Island

Word Frequency

Ac in British English

the chemical symbol for

Word Frequency

AC in British English

abbreviation for

1.

Compare DC

2.

air conditioning

3.

ante Christum

4.

Air Corps

5.

6.

Companion of the Order of Australia

7.

appellation d'origine contrô lée: the highest French wine classification; indicates that the wine meets strict requirements concerning area of production, strength, etc

8.

Aelodau'r Cynulliad: Member of the Assembly (that is, the National Assembly of Wales)

Word origin

(for sense 3) Latin: before Christ

Word Frequency

a.c. in British English

obsolete

abbreviation for

(in prescriptions) ante cibum

Word origin

Latin: before meals

Word Frequency

AC in American English

1.

air conditioning

2.

alternating current

3.

Athletic Club

4.

before Christ

5. Pharmacy

before meals

ac Also, for senses AC (sense 1) AC (sense 2) AC (sense 5)

Word origin

(sense 4) L Ante Christum; (sense 5) L ante cibum

Word Frequency

Ac in American English 1

Bible

Acts

Word Frequency

Ac in American English 2

Chemistry

actinium

Word Frequency

aC in American English

abcoulomb(s)

Word Frequency

ac in American English

1.

2.

acre(s)

Word Frequency

ac- in American English

(æk ; ək ; ɪk )

used before c or q

Word Frequency

a.c. in American English

Pharmacy

before meals

Word origin

L ante cibum

Word Frequency

-ac in American English

(æk ; ək )

1.

characteristic of

elegiac, demoniac

2.

of, relating to

cardiac, coeliac

3.

affected by or having

maniac

▶ USAGE: The resulting adjectives are sometimes used as nouns

Word origin

Fr -aque < L -acus < Gr -akos (or directly < any of these)

a/c

also A/C

uncountable noun

a/ c is an abbreviation for air-conditioning.

Keep your windows up and the a/c on high.

60 Motel Units. All Units A/C, Heat, Cable TV.

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a/c in British English

accounting

abbreviation for

1.

2.

account current

A/C in British English

abbreviation for

1.

air conditioning

2. (in Canada)

Air Commodore

A/C in American English

1. Accounting

account

2. Accounting

account current

3.

air conditioning

a/c Also, for A/C (sense 1) A/C (sense 2)

Word Frequency

AC

(eɪ siː )

uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]

AC is used to refer to an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. AC is an abbreviation for 'alternating current'.

In Europe, AC is usually generated at 50 Hz.

...a portable AC generator.

You may also like

Word Frequency

ac in British English

the internet domain name for

Ascension Island

Word Frequency

Ac in British English

the chemical symbol for

Word Frequency

AC in British English

abbreviation for

1.

Compare DC

2.

air conditioning

3.

ante Christum

4.

Air Corps

5.

6.

Companion of the Order of Australia

7.

appellation d'origine contrô lée: the highest French wine classification; indicates that the wine meets strict requirements concerning area of production, strength, etc

8.

Aelodau'r Cynulliad: Member of the Assembly (that is, the National Assembly of Wales)

Word origin

(for sense 3) Latin: before Christ

Word Frequency

a.c. in British English

obsolete

abbreviation for

(in prescriptions) ante cibum

Word origin

Latin: before meals

Word Frequency

AC in American English

1.

air conditioning

2.

alternating current

3.

Athletic Club

4.

before Christ

5. Pharmacy

before meals

ac Also, for senses AC (sense 1) AC (sense 2) AC (sense 5)

Word origin

(sense 4) L Ante Christum; (sense 5) L ante cibum

Word Frequency

Ac in American English 1

Bible

Acts

Word Frequency

Ac in American English 2

Chemistry

actinium

Word Frequency

aC in American English

abcoulomb(s)

Word Frequency

ac in American English

1.

2.

acre(s)

Word Frequency

ac- in American English

(æk ; ək ; ɪk )

used before c or q

Word Frequency

a.c. in American English

Pharmacy

before meals

Word origin

L ante cibum

Word Frequency

-ac in American English

(æk ; ək )

1.

characteristic of

elegiac, demoniac

2.

of, relating to

cardiac, coeliac

3.

affected by or having

maniac

▶ USAGE: The resulting adjectives are sometimes used as nouns

Word origin

Fr -aque < L -acus < Gr -akos (or directly < any of these)

Word Frequency

AC

(eɪ siː )

uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]

AC is used to refer to an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. AC is an abbreviation for 'alternating current'.

In Europe, AC is usually generated at 50 Hz.

...a portable AC generator.

You may also like

Word Frequency

ac in British English

the internet domain name for

Ascension Island

Word Frequency

Ac in British English

the chemical symbol for

Word Frequency

AC in British English

abbreviation for

1.

Compare DC

2.

air conditioning

3.

ante Christum

4.

Air Corps

5.

6.

Companion of the Order of Australia

7.

appellation d'origine contrô lée: the highest French wine classification; indicates that the wine meets strict requirements concerning area of production, strength, etc

8.

Aelodau'r Cynulliad: Member of the Assembly (that is, the National Assembly of Wales)

Word origin

(for sense 3) Latin: before Christ

Word Frequency

a.c. in British English

obsolete

abbreviation for

(in prescriptions) ante cibum

Word origin

Latin: before meals

Word Frequency

AC in American English

1.

air conditioning

2.

alternating current

3.

Athletic Club

4.

before Christ

5. Pharmacy

before meals

ac Also, for senses AC (sense 1) AC (sense 2) AC (sense 5)

Word origin

(sense 4) L Ante Christum; (sense 5) L ante cibum

Word Frequency

Ac in American English 1

Bible

Acts

Word Frequency

Ac in American English 2

Chemistry

actinium

Word Frequency

aC in American English

abcoulomb(s)

Word Frequency

ac in American English

1.

2.

acre(s)

Word Frequency

ac- in American English

(æk ; ək ; ɪk )

used before c or q

Word Frequency

a.c. in American English

Pharmacy

before meals

Word origin

L ante cibum

Word Frequency

-ac in American English

(æk ; ək )

1.

characteristic of

elegiac, demoniac

2.

of, relating to

cardiac, coeliac

3.

affected by or having

maniac

▶ USAGE: The resulting adjectives are sometimes used as nouns

Word origin

Fr -aque < L -acus < Gr -akos (or directly < any of these)

Word Frequency

acacia

(əkeɪʃə )

Word forms: plural acacias , plural acacia

variable noun

An acacia or an acacia tree is a tree which grows in warm countries and which usually has small yellow or white flowers.

Image of
acacia

You may also like

locust (sense 3) locust (sense 3a)

Word Frequency

acacia in British English

(əˈkeɪʃə )

noun

1.

any shrub or tree of the tropical and subtropical leguminous genus Acacia, having compound or reduced leaves and small yellow or white flowers in dense inflorescences

Also called: acacia tree. See also wattle1 (sense 4)

2. false acacia

3. gum acacia

Word origin

C16: from Latin, from Greek akakia, perhaps related to akē point

Word Frequency

acacia in American English

(əˈkeɪʃə )

noun

1.

a.

any of several trees, shrubs, or other plants (genus Acacia) of the mimosa family, with clusters of yellow or white flowers: many are cultivated as ornamentals, and some yield gum arabic, dyes, or perfumes

b.

the flower

2.

gum arabic

3.

: also called false acacia

Word origin

ME < OFr acacie < L acacia < Gr akakia, shittah tree, thorny tree; prob. < akē, a point, thorn < IE base *a-: see acid

Word Frequency

acacia

(əkeɪʃə )

Word forms: plural acacias , plural acacia

variable noun

An acacia or an acacia tree is a tree which grows in warm countries and which usually has small yellow or white flowers.

Image of
acacia

You may also like

locust (sense 3) locust (sense 3a)

Word Frequency

acacia in British English

(əˈkeɪʃə )

noun

1.

any shrub or tree of the tropical and subtropical leguminous genus Acacia, having compound or reduced leaves and small yellow or white flowers in dense inflorescences

Also called: acacia tree. See also wattle1 (sense 4)

2. false acacia

3. gum acacia

Word origin

C16: from Latin, from Greek akakia, perhaps related to akē point

Word Frequency

acacia in American English

(əˈkeɪʃə )

noun

1.

a.

any of several trees, shrubs, or other plants (genus Acacia) of the mimosa family, with clusters of yellow or white flowers: many are cultivated as ornamentals, and some yield gum arabic, dyes, or perfumes

b.

the flower

2.

gum arabic

3.

: also called false acacia

Word origin

ME < OFr acacie < L acacia < Gr akakia, shittah tree, thorny tree; prob. < akē, a point, thorn < IE base *a-: see acid

Word Frequency

acacia

(əkeɪʃə )

Word forms: plural acacias , plural acacia

variable noun

An acacia or an acacia tree is a tree which grows in warm countries and which usually has small yellow or white flowers.

Image of
acacia

You may also like

locust (sense 3) locust (sense 3a)

Word Frequency

acacia in British English

(əˈkeɪʃə )

noun

1.

any shrub or tree of the tropical and subtropical leguminous genus Acacia, having compound or reduced leaves and small yellow or white flowers in dense inflorescences

Also called: acacia tree. See also wattle1 (sense 4)

2. false acacia

3. gum acacia

Word origin

C16: from Latin, from Greek akakia, perhaps related to akē point

Word Frequency

acacia in American English

(əˈkeɪʃə )

noun

1.

a.

any of several trees, shrubs, or other plants (genus Acacia) of the mimosa family, with clusters of yellow or white flowers: many are cultivated as ornamentals, and some yield gum arabic, dyes, or perfumes

b.

the flower

2.

gum arabic

3.

: also called false acacia

Word origin

ME < OFr acacie < L acacia < Gr akakia, shittah tree, thorny tree; prob. < akē, a point, thorn < IE base *a-: see acid

Acad. in British English

abbreviation for

1.

academy

Royal Acad. of Music

2.

academic

Acad. Qualifications: BSc (1964), BSc (Hons) (1965)

You may also like

acad in American English

1.

academic

2. [also A-]

academy

Word Frequency

academe

(ækədiːm )

uncountable noun

The academic world of universities is sometimes referred to as academe.

[formal]

You may also like

Word Frequency

academe in British English

(ˈækəˌdiːm )

noun literary

1.

any place of learning, such as a college or university

2. the grove of Academe

Word origin

C16: first used by Shakespeare in Love's Labour's Lost (1594); see academy

Word Frequency

Academe in American English

(ˈækəˌdim ; ˌ ækəˈdim )

the Academy (sense 1) ( see phrase under academy)

Word origin

< Gr akadēmeia, the grove of Akadēmos, figure in ancient Greek legend

Word Frequency

academe in American English

(ˈækəˌdim ; ˌ ækəˈdim )

noun

1. Rare

a school; esp., a college or university

2.

the academic world

Word Frequency

academe

(ækədiːm )

uncountable noun

The academic world of universities is sometimes referred to as academe.

[formal]

You may also like

Word Frequency

academe in British English

(ˈækəˌdiːm )

noun literary

1.

any place of learning, such as a college or university

2. the grove of Academe

Word origin

C16: first used by Shakespeare in Love's Labour's Lost (1594); see academy

Word Frequency

Academe in American English

(ˈækəˌdim ; ˌ ækəˈdim )

the Academy (sense 1) ( see phrase under academy)

Word origin

< Gr akadēmeia, the grove of Akadēmos, figure in ancient Greek legend

Word Frequency

academe in American English

(ˈækəˌdim ; ˌ ækəˈdim )

noun

1. Rare

a school; esp., a college or university

2.

the academic world

Word Frequency

academia

(ækədiːmiə )

uncountable noun

Academia refers to all the academics in a particular country or region, the institutions they work in, and their work.

...the importance of strong links between industry and academia.

Synonyms: academic life, learning, scholarship, academe [literary] More Synonyms of academia

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academia in British English

(ˌækəˈdiːmɪə )

noun

the academic world

Word Frequency

academia in American English

(ˌækəˈdimiə ; ˌækəˈdeɪmiə )

noun

the academic world; academe

Word origin

L: see academy

Word Frequency

academic

(ækədemɪk )

Word forms: plural academics

1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Academic is used to describe things that relate to the work done in schools, colleges, and universities, especially work which involves studying and reasoning rather than practical or technical skills.

Their academic standards are high.

I was terrible at school and left with few academic qualifications.

academically (ækədemɪkli ) adverb

He is academically gifted.

I was only average academically, but was good at sports.

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Academic is used to describe things that relate to schools, colleges, and universities.

...the start of the last academic year.

I'd had enough of academic life.

3. adjective

Academic is used to describe work, or a school, college, or university, that places emphasis on studying and reasoning rather than on practical or technical skills.

The author has settled for a more academic approach.

I went to a school that was very academic.

Synonyms: scholarly, learned, intellectual, literary More Synonyms of academic

4. adjective

Someone who is academic is good at studying.

The system is failing most disastrously among less academic children.

Synonyms: studious, serious, intellectual, eager More Synonyms of academic

5. countable noun

An academic is a member of a university or college who teaches or does research.

Synonyms: scholar, intellectual, don, student More Synonyms of academic

6. adjective

You can say that a discussion or situation is academic if you think it is not important because it has no real effect or cannot happen.

This was not an academic exercise–soldiers' lives were at risk.

Such is the size of the problem that these arguments are purely academic.

More Synonyms of academic

Video: pronunciation of
academic

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Word Frequency

academic in British English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ) or academical (ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəl)

adjective

1.

belonging or relating to a place of learning, esp a college, university, or academy

2.

of purely theoretical or speculative interest

an academic argument

3.

excessively concerned with intellectual matters and lacking experience of practical affairs

4.

(esp of a schoolchild) having an aptitude for study

5.

conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional

an academic painter

6.

relating to studies such as languages, philosophy, and pure science, rather than applied, technical, or professional studies

noun

7.

a member of a college or university

Derived forms

academically (ˌacaˈdemically)

adverb

Word Frequency

academic in American English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪk )

adjective

1.

of colleges, universities, etc.; scholastic; scholarly

2.

having to do with general or liberal rather than technical or vocational education

3.

of or belonging to an academy of scholars, artists, etc.

4.

following fixed rules or conventions; pedantic or formalistic

an academic style of painting

5.

merely theoretical; having no direct practical application

an academic question

: Also ˌacaˈdemical (ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəl )

noun

6.

a teacher or student at a college or university

Word origin

L academicus < academia: see academy

Word Frequency

academic

(ækədemɪk )

Word forms: plural academics

1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Academic is used to describe things that relate to the work done in schools, colleges, and universities, especially work which involves studying and reasoning rather than practical or technical skills.

Their academic standards are high.

I was terrible at school and left with few academic qualifications.

academically (ækədemɪkli ) adverb

He is academically gifted.

I was only average academically, but was good at sports.

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Academic is used to describe things that relate to schools, colleges, and universities.

...the start of the last academic year.

I'd had enough of academic life.

3. adjective

Academic is used to describe work, or a school, college, or university, that places emphasis on studying and reasoning rather than on practical or technical skills.

The author has settled for a more academic approach.

I went to a school that was very academic.

Synonyms: scholarly, learned, intellectual, literary More Synonyms of academic

4. adjective

Someone who is academic is good at studying.

The system is failing most disastrously among less academic children.

Synonyms: studious, serious, intellectual, eager More Synonyms of academic

5. countable noun

An academic is a member of a university or college who teaches or does research.

Synonyms: scholar, intellectual, don, student More Synonyms of academic

6. adjective

You can say that a discussion or situation is academic if you think it is not important because it has no real effect or cannot happen.

This was not an academic exercise–soldiers' lives were at risk.

Such is the size of the problem that these arguments are purely academic.

More Synonyms of academic

Video: pronunciation of
academic

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Word Frequency

academic in British English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ) or academical (ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəl)

adjective

1.

belonging or relating to a place of learning, esp a college, university, or academy

2.

of purely theoretical or speculative interest

an academic argument

3.

excessively concerned with intellectual matters and lacking experience of practical affairs

4.

(esp of a schoolchild) having an aptitude for study

5.

conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional

an academic painter

6.

relating to studies such as languages, philosophy, and pure science, rather than applied, technical, or professional studies

noun

7.

a member of a college or university

Derived forms

academically (ˌacaˈdemically)

adverb

Word Frequency

academic in American English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪk )

adjective

1.

of colleges, universities, etc.; scholastic; scholarly

2.

having to do with general or liberal rather than technical or vocational education

3.

of or belonging to an academy of scholars, artists, etc.

4.

following fixed rules or conventions; pedantic or formalistic

an academic style of painting

5.

merely theoretical; having no direct practical application

an academic question

: Also ˌacaˈdemical (ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəl )

noun

6.

a teacher or student at a college or university

Word origin

L academicus < academia: see academy

Word Frequency

academicals in British English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəlz )

plural noun

another term for academic dress

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Word Frequency

academicals in American English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəlz )

plural noun

traditional academic clothing; cap and gown

Word Frequency

academician

(əkædəmɪʃən , US ækədə- )

Word forms: plural academicians

countable noun

An academician is a member of an academy, usually one which has been formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field.

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Word Frequency

academician in British English

(əˌkædəˈmɪʃən , ˌækədə-)

noun

a member of an academy ( sense 1)

Word Frequency

academician in American English

(əˌkædəˈmɪʃən ; ˌ ækədəˈmɪʃən )

noun

1.

a member of an academy (sense 3)

2.

an artist, writer, etc. who follows certain academic rules or conventions

Word origin

Fr académicien

Word Frequency

academician

(əkædəmɪʃən , US ækədə- )

Word forms: plural academicians

countable noun

An academician is a member of an academy, usually one which has been formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field.

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Word Frequency

academician in British English

(əˌkædəˈmɪʃən , ˌækədə-)

noun

a member of an academy ( sense 1)

Word Frequency

academician in American English

(əˌkædəˈmɪʃən ; ˌ ækədəˈmɪʃən )

noun

1.

a member of an academy (sense 3)

2.

an artist, writer, etc. who follows certain academic rules or conventions

Word origin

Fr académicien

Word Frequency

academicism in British English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪˌsɪzəm ), academism (əˈkædəˌmɪzəm ) or academicalism (ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəlɪzəm)

noun

adherence to rules and traditions in art, literature, etc; conventionalism

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Word Frequency

academicism in American English

(ˌækəˈdɛməˌsɪzəm )

noun

the quality of being academic; esp., formal or pedantic quality, spirit, etc.

: also aˈcadeˌmism (əˈkædəˌmaɪzəm )

Word Frequency

academic

(ækədemɪk )

Word forms: plural academics

1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Academic is used to describe things that relate to the work done in schools, colleges, and universities, especially work which involves studying and reasoning rather than practical or technical skills.

Their academic standards are high.

I was terrible at school and left with few academic qualifications.

academically (ækədemɪkli ) adverb

He is academically gifted.

I was only average academically, but was good at sports.

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Academic is used to describe things that relate to schools, colleges, and universities.

...the start of the last academic year.

I'd had enough of academic life.

3. adjective

Academic is used to describe work, or a school, college, or university, that places emphasis on studying and reasoning rather than on practical or technical skills.

The author has settled for a more academic approach.

I went to a school that was very academic.

Synonyms: scholarly, learned, intellectual, literary More Synonyms of academic

4. adjective

Someone who is academic is good at studying.

The system is failing most disastrously among less academic children.

Synonyms: studious, serious, intellectual, eager More Synonyms of academic

5. countable noun

An academic is a member of a university or college who teaches or does research.

Synonyms: scholar, intellectual, don, student More Synonyms of academic

6. adjective

You can say that a discussion or situation is academic if you think it is not important because it has no real effect or cannot happen.

This was not an academic exercise–soldiers' lives were at risk.

Such is the size of the problem that these arguments are purely academic.

More Synonyms of academic

Video: pronunciation of
academic

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Word Frequency

academic in British English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ) or academical (ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəl)

adjective

1.

belonging or relating to a place of learning, esp a college, university, or academy

2.

of purely theoretical or speculative interest

an academic argument

3.

excessively concerned with intellectual matters and lacking experience of practical affairs

4.

(esp of a schoolchild) having an aptitude for study

5.

conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional

an academic painter

6.

relating to studies such as languages, philosophy, and pure science, rather than applied, technical, or professional studies

noun

7.

a member of a college or university

Derived forms

academically (ˌacaˈdemically)

adverb

Word Frequency

academic in American English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪk )

adjective

1.

of colleges, universities, etc.; scholastic; scholarly

2.

having to do with general or liberal rather than technical or vocational education

3.

of or belonging to an academy of scholars, artists, etc.

4.

following fixed rules or conventions; pedantic or formalistic

an academic style of painting

5.

merely theoretical; having no direct practical application

an academic question

: Also ˌacaˈdemical (ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəl )

noun

6.

a teacher or student at a college or university

Word origin

L academicus < academia: see academy

French Academy in British English

noun

an association of 40 French scholars and writers, founded by Cardinal Richelieu in 1635, devoted chiefly to preserving the purity of the French language

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French Academy in American English

noun

an association of 40 scholars and men and women of letters, established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu and devoted chiefly to preserving the purity of the French language and establishing standards of proper usage

French: Académie Française

Word Frequency

academicism in British English

(ˌækəˈdɛmɪˌsɪzəm ), academism (əˈkædəˌmɪzəm ) or academicalism (ˌækəˈdɛmɪkəlɪzəm)

noun

adherence to rules and traditions in art, literature, etc; conventionalism

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Word Frequency

academicism in American English

(ˌækəˈdɛməˌsɪzəm )

noun

the quality of being academic; esp., formal or pedantic quality, spirit, etc.

: also aˈcadeˌmism (əˈkædəˌmaɪzəm )

Word Frequency

academy

(əkædəmi )

Word forms: plural academies

1. countable noun

Academy is sometimes used in the names of secondary schools and colleges, or private high schools in the United States.

...the Royal Academy of Music. [+ of]

...her experience as a police academy instructor.

Synonyms: college, school, university, institution More Synonyms of academy

2. countable noun

Academy appears in the names of some societies formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field.

...the American Academy of Psychotherapists. [+ of]

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Video: pronunciation of
academy

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Word Frequency

academy in British English

(əˈkædəmɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -mies

1.

an institution or society for the advancement of literature, art, or science

2.

a school for training in a particular skill or profession

a military academy

3.

a secondary school: now used only as part of a name, and often denoting a private school

4.

(in England) an inner-city school which is funded by the government and sometimes also privately but is not controlled by the local authority

Word origin

C16: via Latin from Greek akadēmeia name of the grove where Plato taught, named after the legendary hero Akadēmos

Word Frequency

Academy in British English

(əˈkædəmɪ )

noun

the Academy

1.

a.

the grove or garden near Athens where Plato taught in the late 4th century bc

b.

the school of philosophy founded by Plato

c.

the members of this school and their successors

2. short for the French Academy, Royal Academy

Word Frequency

academy in American English

(əˈkædəmi )

nounWord forms: plural aˈcademies

1.

a private secondary or high school

2.

a school offering instruction in a special field

a music academy

3.

an association of scholars, writers, artists, etc., for advancing literature, art, or science

Idioms:

the Academy

Word origin

Fr académie < L academia < Gr akadēmeia: see academe

Word Frequency

academy

(əkædəmi )

Word forms: plural academies

1. countable noun

Academy is sometimes used in the names of secondary schools and colleges, or private high schools in the United States.

...the Royal Academy of Music. [+ of]

...her experience as a police academy instructor.

Synonyms: college, school, university, institution More Synonyms of academy

2. countable noun

Academy appears in the names of some societies formed to improve or maintain standards in a particular field.

...the American Academy of Psychotherapists. [+ of]

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Video: pronunciation of
academy

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Word Frequency

academy in British English

(əˈkædəmɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -mies

1.

an institution or society for the advancement of literature, art, or science

2.

a school for training in a particular skill or profession

a military academy

3.

a secondary school: now used only as part of a name, and often denoting a private school

4.

(in England) an inner-city school which is funded by the government and sometimes also privately but is not controlled by the local authority

Word origin

C16: via Latin from Greek akadēmeia name of the grove where Plato taught, named after the legendary hero Akadēmos

Word Frequency

Academy in British English

(əˈkædəmɪ )

noun

the Academy

1.

a.

the grove or garden near Athens where Plato taught in the late 4th century bc

b.

the school of philosophy founded by Plato

c.

the members of this school and their successors

2. short for the French Academy, Royal Academy

Word Frequency

academy in American English

(əˈkædəmi )

nounWord forms: plural aˈcademies

1.

a private secondary or high school

2.

a school offering instruction in a special field

a music academy

3.

an association of scholars, writers, artists, etc., for advancing literature, art, or science

Idioms:

the Academy

Word origin

Fr académie < L academia < Gr akadēmeia: see academe

Word Frequency

Acadia in British English

(əˈkeɪdɪə )

noun

1.

a.

the Atlantic Provinces of Canada

b.

the French-speaking areas of these provinces

2.

(formerly) a French colony in the present-day Atlantic Provinces: ceded to Britain in 1713

French name: Acadie

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Word Frequency

Acadia in American English

(əˈkeɪdiə )

region & former French colony (1604-1713) on the NE coast of North America, including what are now the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, plus parts of Quebec and parts of Maine

Derived forms

Acadian (Aˈcadian)

adjective, noun

Word origin

Fr Acadia, prob. < Archadia, name given by Verrazano (1524), after Arcadia, place of rural peace

Word Frequency

Acadia in British English

(əˈkeɪdɪə )

noun

1.

a.

the Atlantic Provinces of Canada

b.

the French-speaking areas of these provinces

2.

(formerly) a French colony in the present-day Atlantic Provinces: ceded to Britain in 1713

French name: Acadie

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Word Frequency

Acadia in American English

(əˈkeɪdiə )

region & former French colony (1604-1713) on the NE coast of North America, including what are now the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, plus parts of Quebec and parts of Maine

Derived forms

Acadian (Aˈcadian)

adjective, noun

Word origin

Fr Acadia, prob. < Archadia, name given by Verrazano (1524), after Arcadia, place of rural peace

Word Frequency

acajou in British English

(ˈækəˌʒuː )

noun

1.

a type of mahogany used by cabinet-makers in France

2. a less common name for cashew

Word origin

C18: via French from Portuguese acajú, from Tupi

Image of
acajou

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Word Frequency

acajou in American English

(ˈækəˌʒu )

noun

1.

any of several tropical trees yielding fine cabinet wood, including the mahogany

2.

the cashew

Word origin

Fr, cashew

Word Frequency

acajou in British English

(ˈækəˌʒuː )

noun

1.

a type of mahogany used by cabinet-makers in France

2. a less common name for cashew

Word origin

C18: via French from Portuguese acajú, from Tupi

Image of
acajou

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Word Frequency

acajou in American English

(ˈækəˌʒu )

noun

1.

any of several tropical trees yielding fine cabinet wood, including the mahogany

2.

the cashew

Word origin

Fr, cashew

acaleph in British English

or acalephe (ˈækəˌlɛf )

noun

obsolete

any of the coelenterates of the former taxonomic group Acalephae, which included the jellyfishes

Word origin

C18: from New Latin, from Greek akalēphē a sting

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acaleph in American English

(ˈækəˌlɛf )

noun

Obsolete

any of several invertebrate animals, as jellyfish, that swim or float about in the open sea; coelenterate or ctenophore (former class Acalephes, phylum Zoophyta)

: also ˈacaˌlephe (ˈækəˌlif )

Word origin

< Gr akalēphē, a nettle

acaleph in British English

or acalephe (ˈækəˌlɛf )

noun

obsolete

any of the coelenterates of the former taxonomic group Acalephae, which included the jellyfishes

Word origin

C18: from New Latin, from Greek akalēphē a sting

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acaleph in American English

(ˈækəˌlɛf )

noun

Obsolete

any of several invertebrate animals, as jellyfish, that swim or float about in the open sea; coelenterate or ctenophore (former class Acalephes, phylum Zoophyta)

: also ˈacaˌlephe (ˈækəˌlif )

Word origin

< Gr akalēphē, a nettle

acaleph in British English

or acalephe (ˈækəˌlɛf )

noun

obsolete

any of the coelenterates of the former taxonomic group Acalephae, which included the jellyfishes

Word origin

C18: from New Latin, from Greek akalēphē a sting

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acaleph in American English

(ˈækəˌlɛf )

noun

Obsolete

any of several invertebrate animals, as jellyfish, that swim or float about in the open sea; coelenterate or ctenophore (former class Acalephes, phylum Zoophyta)

: also ˈacaˌlephe (ˈækəˌlif )

Word origin

< Gr akalēphē, a nettle

Word Frequency

acanthine in British English

(əˈkænθaɪn , -θiːn)

adjective

1.

of or resembling an acanthus

2.

decorated with acanthus leaves

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Word Frequency

acanthine in American English

(əˈkænθɪn ; əˈkænˌθaɪn ; əˈkænˌθin )

adjective

of or resembling an acanthus or its leaves

acantho- in British English

or before a vowel acanth-

combining form

indicating a spine or thorn

acanthocephalan

Word origin

New Latin from Greek akanthos thorn plant, from akantha thorn

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acantho- in American English

(əˈkænθoʊ ; əˈkænθə )

thorn

acanthocephalan

: also, before a vowel, acanth- (əˈkænθ )

Word origin

< Gr akantha, thorn < akē, a point < IE base *a-: see acid

Word Frequency

acanthocephalan in British English

(əˌkænθəʊˈsɛfələn )

noun

1.

any of the parasitic wormlike invertebrates of the phylum Acanthocephala, the adults of which have a spiny proboscis and live in the intestines of vertebrates

adjective

2.

of, relating to, or belonging to the Acanthocephala

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Word Frequency

acanthocephalan in American English

(əˌkænθoʊˈsɛfələn ; əˌkænθəˈsɛfələn )

noun

any of a phylum (Acanthocephala) of intestinal worms, lacking a digestive tract and having a proboscis bearing rows of thornlike hooks

Word origin

< ModL < acantho- + cephal- + -an

acanthoid in British English

(əˈkænθɔɪd )

adjective

resembling a spine; spiny

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acanthoid in American English

(əˈkænˌθɔɪd )

adjective

spiny; spine-shaped

: also aˈcanthous (əˈkænθəs )

acanthoid in American English

(əˈkænθɔid)

adjective

spiny; spinous

Word origin

[acanth- + -oid]-oid is a suffix meaning “resembling,” “like,” used in the formation of adjectives and nouns (and often implying an incomplete or imperfect resemblance to what is indicated by the preceding element). Other words that use the affix -oid include: alkaloid, cardioid, cuboid, ovoid, planetoid

Word Frequency

acanthopterygian in British English

(ˌækənˌθɒptəˈrɪdʒɪən )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or belonging to the Acanthopterygii, a large group of teleost fishes having spiny fin rays. The group includes most saltwater bony fishes

noun

2.

any fish belonging to the Acanthopterygii

Compare malacopterygian

Word origin

C19: from New Latin Acanthopterygii, from acantho- + Greek pterúgion fin

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Word Frequency

acanthopterygian in American English

(ˌækənˌθɑptəˈrɪdʒiən )

noun

any percoid fishes, as the basses or perches

Word origin

< acantho- + Gr pterygion, a fin: see ptero-

acanthous in British English

(əˈkænθəs )

adjective

another term for spinous

spinous in British English

(ˈspaɪnəs )

adjective biology

1.

resembling a spine or thorn

the spinous process of a bone

2.

having spines or spiny projections

3. another word for spinose

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acanthous in American English

(əˈkænθəs)

adjective

spinous

Word origin

[acanth- + -ous]-ous is a suffix forming adjectives that have the general sense “possessing, full of” a given quality (covetous; glorious; nervous; wondrous); -ous and its variant -ious have often been used to Anglicize Latin adjectives with terminations that cannot be directly adapted into English (atrocious; contiguous; garrulous; obvious; stupendous). As an adjective-forming suffix of neutral value, it regularly Anglicizes Greek and Latin adjectives derived without suffix from nouns and verbs; many such formations are productive combining forms in English, sometimes with a corresponding nominal combining form that has no suffix (as -fer and -ferous; -phore and -phorous; -pter and -pterous; -vore and -vorous)

Word Frequency

acanthus in British English

(əˈkænθəs ) or acanth (əˈkænθ)

nounWord forms: plural -thuses or -thi (-θaɪ)

1.

any shrub or herbaceous plant of the genus Acanthus, native to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated as ornamental plants, having large spiny leaves and spikes of white or purplish flowers: family Acanthaceae

Image of
acanthus

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Word Frequency

acanthus in American English

(əˈkænθəs )

nounWord forms: plural aˈcanthuses or aˈcanˌthi (əˈkænˌθaɪ ; əˈkænˌθi )

1.

any of a genus (Acanthus) of thistlelike plants of the acanthus family with lobed, often spiny leaves and long spikes of white or colored flowers, found in the Mediterranean region

2. Architecture

a motif or conventional representation of the leaf of this plant, used esp. on the capitals of Corinthian columns

adjective

3.

designating a family (Acanthaceae, order Scrophulariales) of dicotyledonous plants, including bear's- breech

Word origin

ModL < L < Gr akanthos: see acantho-

Word Frequency

acapnia in British English

(eɪˈkæpnɪə, əˈkæpnɪə)

noun

the state of lacking carbon dioxide in the blood

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Word Frequency

acapnia in American English

(əˈkæpniə, eiˈkæp-)

noun

Medicine

a deficiency of carbon dioxide in the blood and tissues

Derived forms

acapnial

adjective

Word origin

[1905–10; ‹ NL ‹ Gk ákapn(os) smokeless (a- a-6 + kapnós smoke) + -ia -ia; NL sense from the fact that smoke contains carbon dioxide]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: Expressionism, cadre, persona, revolving door, scrounge-ia is a noun suffix having restricted application in various fields, as in names of diseases (malaria; anemia), place names (Italia; Romania), names of Roman feasts (Lupercalia), Latin or Latinizing plurals (Amphibia; insignia; Reptilia), and in other loanwords from Latin (militia)

Word Frequency

acapnia in British English

(eɪˈkæpnɪə, əˈkæpnɪə)

noun

the state of lacking carbon dioxide in the blood

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Word Frequency

acapnia in American English

(əˈkæpniə, eiˈkæp-)

noun

Medicine

a deficiency of carbon dioxide in the blood and tissues

Derived forms

acapnial

adjective

Word origin

[1905–10; ‹ NL ‹ Gk ákapn(os) smokeless (a- a-6 + kapnós smoke) + -ia -ia; NL sense from the fact that smoke contains carbon dioxide]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: Expressionism, cadre, persona, revolving door, scrounge-ia is a noun suffix having restricted application in various fields, as in names of diseases (malaria; anemia), place names (Italia; Romania), names of Roman feasts (Lupercalia), Latin or Latinizing plurals (Amphibia; insignia; Reptilia), and in other loanwords from Latin (militia)

Word Frequency

Acapulco in British English

(ˌækəˈpʊlkəʊ , Spanish akaˈpulko)

noun

a port and resort in SW Mexico, in Guerrero state. Pop: 761 000 (2005 est)

Official name: Acapulco de Juárez (de ˈxwares)

Image of
Acapulco

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Word Frequency

Acapulco in American English

(ˌɑkəˈpʊlkoʊ ; ˌækəˈpʊlkoʊ )

city in S Mexico, on the Pacific: winter resort: pop. 593,000

: in full Acapulco de Juárez (ˌɑkəˈpʊlkoʊ deɪ ˈhwɑrˌɛz ; ˌɑkəˈpʊlkoʊ deɪ ˈwɑrˌɛz ; ɑˌkəˈpʊlkoʊ deɪ ˈhwɑrəs )

Word Frequency

Acapulco in British English

(ˌækəˈpʊlkəʊ , Spanish akaˈpulko)

noun

a port and resort in SW Mexico, in Guerrero state. Pop: 761 000 (2005 est)

Official name: Acapulco de Juárez (de ˈxwares)

Image of
Acapulco

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Word Frequency

Acapulco in American English

(ˌɑkəˈpʊlkoʊ ; ˌækəˈpʊlkoʊ )

city in S Mexico, on the Pacific: winter resort: pop. 593,000

: in full Acapulco de Juárez (ˌɑkəˈpʊlkoʊ deɪ ˈhwɑrˌɛz ; ˌɑkəˈpʊlkoʊ deɪ ˈwɑrˌɛz ; ɑˌkəˈpʊlkoʊ deɪ ˈhwɑrəs )

Word Frequency

acariasis in British English

(ˌækəˈraɪəsɪs )

noun

infestation of the hair follicles and skin with acarids, esp mites

Word origin

C19: New Latin. See acarus, -iasis

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Word Frequency

acariasis in American English

(ˌækəˈraɪəsɪs )

noun

an infestation with acarids, or the resulting skin disease

Word origin

ModL: see acarid & -asis

Word Frequency

acaricide in British English

(əˈkærɪˌsaɪd )

noun

any drug or formulation for killing acarids

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Word Frequency

acaricide in the Pharmaceutical Industry

(əkærɪsaɪd)

Word forms: (regular plural) acaricides

noun

(Pharmaceutical: Drugs)

An acaricide is a drug or preparation that kills ticks and mites.

What is the best method for evaluating the effectiveness of acaricides against ticks?

Pesticides known as acaricides can effectively kill ticks.

An acaricide is a drug or preparation that kills ticks and mites.

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acaroid in British English

(ˈækəˌrɔɪd )

adjective

resembling a mite or tick

Word origin

C19: see acarus, -oid

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Word Frequency

acaroid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɔɪd )

adjective

of or like an acarid

Word Frequency

acaroid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɔid)

adjective

resembling a mite or tick

Word origin

[1875–80; acar(us) + -oid]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: cross-fertilization, fan-tan, hat trick, massage, pressure point-oid is a suffix meaning “resembling,” “like,” used in the formation of adjectives and nouns (and often implying an incomplete or imperfect resemblance to what is indicated by the preceding element). Other words that use the affix -oid include: alkaloid, anthropoid, cardioid, ovoid, planetoid

Word Frequency

acarology in British English

(ˌækəˈrɒlədʒɪ )

noun

the study of mites and ticks

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Word Frequency

acarology in American English

(ˌækəˈrɑlədʒi )

noun

the scientific study of mites and ticks

Derived forms

acarologist (ˌacaˈrologist)

noun

Word origin

see acarid & -logy

Word Frequency

acarology in American English

(ˌækəˈrɑlədʒi)

noun

the branch of zoology dealing with mites and ticks

Derived forms

acarologist

noun

Word origin

[acar(us) + -o- + -logy]-o- is the typical ending of the first element of compounds of Greek origin (as -i- is, in compounds of Latin origin), used regularly in forming new compounds with elements of Greek origin and often used in English as a connective irrespective of etymology (Franco-Italian; geography; seriocomic; speedometer); -logy is a combining form used in the names of sciences or bodies of knowledge. Other words that use the affix -logy include: ethnology, geology, methodology, thanatology, tropology

acarpelous in American English

(eɪˈkɑrpələs ) or aˈcarpellous (eɪˈkɑrpələs )

adjective

Botany

without carpels

Word origin

a-2 + carpel + -ous

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acarpelous in American English

(eiˈkɑːrpələs)

adjective

Botany

having no carpels

Also: acarpellous

Word origin

[1875–80; a-6 + carpel + -ous]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: Diaspora, authoritarian, graph, massage, musical chairs-ous is a suffix forming adjectives that have the general sense “possessing, full of” a given quality (covetous; glorious; nervous; wondrous); -ous and its variant -ious have often been used to Anglicize Latin adjectives with terminations that cannot be directly adapted into English (atrocious; contiguous; garrulous; obvious; stupendous). As an adjective-forming suffix of neutral value, it regularly Anglicizes Greek and Latin adjectives derived without suffix from nouns and verbs; many such formations are productive combining forms in English, sometimes with a corresponding nominal combining form that has no suffix (as -fer and -ferous; -phore and -phorous; -pter and -pterous; -vore and -vorous)

acarpous in British English

(eɪˈkɑːpəs )

adjective

(of plants) producing no fruit

Word origin

from Greek akarpos, from a-1 + karpos fruit

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acarpous in American English

(eɪˈkɑrpəs )

adjective

bearing no fruit; sterile

Word origin

Gr akarpos < a-, without + karpos, fruit: see carpel

Word Frequency

acarus in British English

(ˈækərəs )

nounWord forms: plural -ri (-ˌraɪ)

any of the free-living mites of the widely distributed genus Acarus, several of which, esp A. siro, are serious pests of stored flour, grain, etc

Word origin

C17: New Latin, from Greek akari a small thing, a mite

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Word Frequency

acarus in American English

(ˈækərəs)

nounWord forms: plural -ari (-əˌrai)

a mite, esp. of the genus Acarus

Word origin

[1650–60; ‹ NL ‹ Gk ákari mite]This word is first recorded in the period 1650–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: oscillation, parade, parameter, pony, syllabus

Word Frequency

acatalectic in British English

(æˌkætəˈlɛktɪk ) prosody

adjective

1.

having the necessary number of feet or syllables, esp having a complete final foot

noun

2.

a verse having the full number of syllables

Word origin

C16: via Late Latin from Greek akatalēktikos. See a-1, catalectic

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Word Frequency

acatalectic in American English

(ˌeɪˌkætəlˈɛktɪk )

adjective Prosody

1.

having the full number of syllables, esp. in the last foot

noun

2.

an acatalectic line of verse

Word origin

LL acatalecticus < Gr akatalēktos, incessant < a-, without + katalēgein: see catalectic

acaudal in British English

(eɪˈkɔːdəl ) or acaudate (eɪˈkɔːdeɪt)

adjective

zoology

having no tail

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acaudal in American English

(eɪˈkɔdəl )

adjective

having no tail

: also aˈcauˌdate (eɪˈkɔˌdeɪt )

Word origin

a-2 + caudal

acaudal in American English

(eiˈkɔdl)

adjective

Zoology

tailless

Also: acaudate (eiˈkɔdeit)

Word origin

[1855–60; a-6 + caudal]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: barrage, lavabo, pickup, pipeline, specialist

acaudal in British English

(eɪˈkɔːdəl ) or acaudate (eɪˈkɔːdeɪt)

adjective

zoology

having no tail

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acaudal in American English

(eɪˈkɔdəl )

adjective

having no tail

: also aˈcauˌdate (eɪˈkɔˌdeɪt )

Word origin

a-2 + caudal

acaudal in American English

(eiˈkɔdl)

adjective

Zoology

tailless

Also: acaudate (eiˈkɔdeit)

Word origin

[1855–60; a-6 + caudal]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: barrage, lavabo, pickup, pipeline, specialist

Word Frequency

acaulescent in British English

(ˌækɔːˈlɛsənt ) or acaulous (eɪˈkɔːləs)

adjective

having no visible stem or a very short one

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Word Frequency

acaulescent in American English

(ˌeɪkɔˈlɛsənt )

adjective

Botany

having no stem or only a very short stem

: also aˈcaulous (eɪˈkɔləs )

Derived forms

acaulescence (ˌacauˈlescence)

noun

Word origin

Word Frequency

acaulescent in British English

(ˌækɔːˈlɛsənt ) or acaulous (eɪˈkɔːləs)

adjective

having no visible stem or a very short one

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Word Frequency

acaulescent in American English

(ˌeɪkɔˈlɛsənt )

adjective

Botany

having no stem or only a very short stem

: also aˈcaulous (eɪˈkɔləs )

Derived forms

acaulescence (ˌacauˈlescence)

noun

Word origin

Word Frequency

ACC in British English

abbreviation for (in New Zealand )

Word Frequency

acc. in British English

abbreviation for

1. accounting

account

2. grammar

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Word Frequency

acc in American English

1.

2.

account

3.

accusative

Word Frequency

ACC in British English

abbreviation for (in New Zealand )

Word Frequency

acc. in British English

abbreviation for

1. accounting

account

2. grammar

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Word Frequency

acc in American English

1.

2.

account

3.

accusative

Word Frequency

Akkadian in British English

or Accadian (əˈkædɪən , əˈkeɪ-)

noun

1.

a member of an ancient Semitic people who lived in central Mesopotamia in the third millennium bc

2.

the extinct language of this people, belonging to the E Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family

adjective

3.

of or relating to this people or their language

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Word Frequency

Akkadian in American English

(əˈkeɪdiən ; əˈkɑdiən )

adjective

1.

of ancient Akkad or its people, language, or culture

noun

2.

an extinct Semitic language of the Mesopotamian region, constituting the eastern branch of the Semitic language subfamily

3.

a person born or living in ancient Akkad

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerando in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrændəʊ ) music

adjective, adverb

1.

(to be performed) with increasing speed

nounWord forms: plural -dos

2.

an increase in speed

Word origin

Italian

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Word Frequency

accelerando in American English

(ɑˌtʃɛləˈrɑnˌdoʊ )

adjective, adverb

Musical Direction

with gradually quickening tempo

Word origin

It, prp. of accelerare < L: see accelerate

Word Frequency

accelerant in British English

(ækˈsɛlərənt )

noun

chemistry another name for accelerator (sense 3)

Word origin

C20: from Latin from accelerāns, present participle of accelerāre to go faster

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Word Frequency

accelerant in American English

(ækˈsɛlərənt ; əkˈsɛlərənt )

adjective

1.

noun

2.

something that increases the speed of a process

3. Chemistry; Obsolete

Word origin

L accelerans, prp. of accelerare: see accelerate

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

acceleration

(ækseləreɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster.

He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. [+ of/in]

...the sharp acceleration in job losses. [+ of/in]

Synonyms: hastening, hurrying, stepping up [informal], expedition More Synonyms of acceleration

2. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

Synonyms: speeding up, gathering speed, opening up, increasing speed More Synonyms of acceleration

3. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases.

[technical]

Video: pronunciation of
acceleration

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Word Frequency

acceleration in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated

2.

the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity

Symbol: a

3.

the power to accelerate

Symbol: a

Word Frequency

acceleration in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən ; əkˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; əkˌsɛləreɪʃɛn )

noun

1.

an accelerating or being accelerated

2.

the rate of change in the velocity of a moving body

abbrev. a

Word Frequency

acceleration in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛləreɪʃən)

noun

(Mechanical engineering: General)

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

The vehicle has an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The acceleration due to gravity, g, is 9.81ms-2.

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

Word Frequency

acceleration

(ækseləreɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster.

He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. [+ of/in]

...the sharp acceleration in job losses. [+ of/in]

Synonyms: hastening, hurrying, stepping up [informal], expedition More Synonyms of acceleration

2. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

Synonyms: speeding up, gathering speed, opening up, increasing speed More Synonyms of acceleration

3. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases.

[technical]

Video: pronunciation of
acceleration

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Word Frequency

acceleration in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated

2.

the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity

Symbol: a

3.

the power to accelerate

Symbol: a

Word Frequency

acceleration in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən ; əkˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; əkˌsɛləreɪʃɛn )

noun

1.

an accelerating or being accelerated

2.

the rate of change in the velocity of a moving body

abbrev. a

Word Frequency

acceleration in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛləreɪʃən)

noun

(Mechanical engineering: General)

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

The vehicle has an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The acceleration due to gravity, g, is 9.81ms-2.

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛlərətɪv ; əkˈsɛlərətɪv )

adjective

of, causing, or increasing acceleration

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Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈseləˌreitɪv, -ərətɪv)

adjective

tending to accelerate; increasing the velocity of

Also: acceleratory (ækˈselərəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

Word origin

[1745–55; accelerate + -ive]This word is first recorded in the period 1745–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: artistic, compressor, pompadour, symmetrical, vignette-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

accelerator

(ækseləreɪtəʳ )

Word forms: plural accelerators

countable noun

The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator.

Video: pronunciation of
accelerator

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Word Frequency

accelerator in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪtə )

noun

1.

a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

2. Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics

a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

3. chemistry

a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4.

(in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. anatomy

a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

Word Frequency

accelerator in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtər ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; əkˈsɛləˌreɪtər )

noun

1.

a person or thing that accelerates or increases the speed of something

; specif.,

a.

a device, such as the foot throttle of an automobile, for increasing the speed of a machine

b.

a nerve or muscle that speeds up a body function

2. Chemistry

a substance that speeds up a reaction

3. Nuclear Physics

a betatron, cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or similar apparatus that accelerates charged particles to high energies: accelerators are used for experimental purposes

4. Photography

a chemical that speeds up developing

Word Frequency

accelerator in Automotive Engineering

(æksɛləreɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerators

noun

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)

The accelerator in a vehicle is the pedal that controls the flow of gasoline to the engine, which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator to slow down.

She put her foot down on the accelerator when the lights changed to green.

Student drivers need to be able to keep the proper balance between clutch and accelerator.

Word Frequency

accelerator

(ækseləreɪtəʳ )

Word forms: plural accelerators

countable noun

The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator.

Video: pronunciation of
accelerator

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Word Frequency

accelerator in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪtə )

noun

1.

a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

2. Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics

a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

3. chemistry

a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4.

(in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. anatomy

a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

Word Frequency

accelerator in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtər ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; əkˈsɛləˌreɪtər )

noun

1.

a person or thing that accelerates or increases the speed of something

; specif.,

a.

a device, such as the foot throttle of an automobile, for increasing the speed of a machine

b.

a nerve or muscle that speeds up a body function

2. Chemistry

a substance that speeds up a reaction

3. Nuclear Physics

a betatron, cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or similar apparatus that accelerates charged particles to high energies: accelerators are used for experimental purposes

4. Photography

a chemical that speeds up developing

Word Frequency

accelerator in Automotive Engineering

(æksɛləreɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerators

noun

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)

The accelerator in a vehicle is the pedal that controls the flow of gasoline to the engine, which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator to slow down.

She put her foot down on the accelerator when the lights changed to green.

Student drivers need to be able to keep the proper balance between clutch and accelerator.

accelerative in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛlərətɪv ; əkˈsɛlərətɪv )

adjective

of, causing, or increasing acceleration

You may also like

accelerative in American English

(ækˈseləˌreitɪv, -ərətɪv)

adjective

tending to accelerate; increasing the velocity of

Also: acceleratory (ækˈselərəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

Word origin

[1745–55; accelerate + -ive]This word is first recorded in the period 1745–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: artistic, compressor, pompadour, symmetrical, vignette-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

accelerometer in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerometer in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; ækˌsɛləˈrɑmətər ; əkˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; əkˌsɛləˈrɑmətər )

US

noun

a mechanical or electromechanical instrument for measuring acceleration, as of an aircraft, or for detecting vibrations, as in machinery

Word origin

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Accelerometers measure vibrations of the machine.

Vibratory motion is often sensed by using an accelerometer attached to the vibrating object.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Word builder-meterThe suffix -meter is often used for instruments that measure things.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Electrical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Electrical engineering: Instrumentation, measuring, and testing, Devices)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

When a low-level accelerometer experiences a large, high-frequency, input acceleration beyond its dynamic operating range, the control circuit's prefilter amplification can saturate.

Direct measurement of acceleration is made using an accelerometer, which makes use of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerometer in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; ækˌsɛləˈrɑmətər ; əkˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; əkˌsɛləˈrɑmətər )

US

noun

a mechanical or electromechanical instrument for measuring acceleration, as of an aircraft, or for detecting vibrations, as in machinery

Word origin

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Accelerometers measure vibrations of the machine.

Vibratory motion is often sensed by using an accelerometer attached to the vibrating object.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Word builder-meterThe suffix -meter is often used for instruments that measure things.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Electrical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Electrical engineering: Instrumentation, measuring, and testing, Devices)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

When a low-level accelerometer experiences a large, high-frequency, input acceleration beyond its dynamic operating range, the control circuit's prefilter amplification can saturate.

Direct measurement of acceleration is made using an accelerometer, which makes use of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acarid in British English

(ˈækərɪd ), acaridan (əˈkærɪdən ) or acarine (ˈækəˌraɪn)

noun

1.

any of the small arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari), which includes the ticks and mites

adjective

2.

of or relating to the order Acarina

Also (rare): acaridian, acaridean

Word origin

C19: from acarus

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Word Frequency

acarid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɪd )

noun

any of a subclass (Acari) of small arachnids, including the ticks and mites, which are parasites and agricultural pests

Word origin

< Gr akari, mite < akarēs, tiny, lit., too short to cut < a-, not + keirein, to cut, akin to shear

Word Frequency

acaroid in British English

(ˈækəˌrɔɪd )

adjective

resembling a mite or tick

Word origin

C19: see acarus, -oid

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Word Frequency

acaroid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɔɪd )

adjective

of or like an acarid

Word Frequency

acaroid in American English

(ˈækəˌrɔid)

adjective

resembling a mite or tick

Word origin

[1875–80; acar(us) + -oid]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: cross-fertilization, fan-tan, hat trick, massage, pressure point-oid is a suffix meaning “resembling,” “like,” used in the formation of adjectives and nouns (and often implying an incomplete or imperfect resemblance to what is indicated by the preceding element). Other words that use the affix -oid include: alkaloid, anthropoid, cardioid, ovoid, planetoid

Word Frequency

acarology in British English

(ˌækəˈrɒlədʒɪ )

noun

the study of mites and ticks

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Word Frequency

acarology in American English

(ˌækəˈrɑlədʒi )

noun

the scientific study of mites and ticks

Derived forms

acarologist (ˌacaˈrologist)

noun

Word origin

see acarid & -logy

Word Frequency

acarology in American English

(ˌækəˈrɑlədʒi)

noun

the branch of zoology dealing with mites and ticks

Derived forms

acarologist

noun

Word origin

[acar(us) + -o- + -logy]-o- is the typical ending of the first element of compounds of Greek origin (as -i- is, in compounds of Latin origin), used regularly in forming new compounds with elements of Greek origin and often used in English as a connective irrespective of etymology (Franco-Italian; geography; seriocomic; speedometer); -logy is a combining form used in the names of sciences or bodies of knowledge. Other words that use the affix -logy include: ethnology, geology, methodology, thanatology, tropology

acarpelous in American English

(eɪˈkɑrpələs ) or aˈcarpellous (eɪˈkɑrpələs )

adjective

Botany

without carpels

Word origin

a-2 + carpel + -ous

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acarpelous in American English

(eiˈkɑːrpələs)

adjective

Botany

having no carpels

Also: acarpellous

Word origin

[1875–80; a-6 + carpel + -ous]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: Diaspora, authoritarian, graph, massage, musical chairs-ous is a suffix forming adjectives that have the general sense “possessing, full of” a given quality (covetous; glorious; nervous; wondrous); -ous and its variant -ious have often been used to Anglicize Latin adjectives with terminations that cannot be directly adapted into English (atrocious; contiguous; garrulous; obvious; stupendous). As an adjective-forming suffix of neutral value, it regularly Anglicizes Greek and Latin adjectives derived without suffix from nouns and verbs; many such formations are productive combining forms in English, sometimes with a corresponding nominal combining form that has no suffix (as -fer and -ferous; -phore and -phorous; -pter and -pterous; -vore and -vorous)

acarpous in British English

(eɪˈkɑːpəs )

adjective

(of plants) producing no fruit

Word origin

from Greek akarpos, from a-1 + karpos fruit

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acarpous in American English

(eɪˈkɑrpəs )

adjective

bearing no fruit; sterile

Word origin

Gr akarpos < a-, without + karpos, fruit: see carpel

acarpous in British English

(eɪˈkɑːpəs )

adjective

(of plants) producing no fruit

Word origin

from Greek akarpos, from a-1 + karpos fruit

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acarpous in American English

(eɪˈkɑrpəs )

adjective

bearing no fruit; sterile

Word origin

Gr akarpos < a-, without + karpos, fruit: see carpel

Word Frequency

acarus in British English

(ˈækərəs )

nounWord forms: plural -ri (-ˌraɪ)

any of the free-living mites of the widely distributed genus Acarus, several of which, esp A. siro, are serious pests of stored flour, grain, etc

Word origin

C17: New Latin, from Greek akari a small thing, a mite

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Word Frequency

acarus in American English

(ˈækərəs)

nounWord forms: plural -ari (-əˌrai)

a mite, esp. of the genus Acarus

Word origin

[1650–60; ‹ NL ‹ Gk ákari mite]This word is first recorded in the period 1650–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: oscillation, parade, parameter, pony, syllabus

Word Frequency

acatalectic in British English

(æˌkætəˈlɛktɪk ) prosody

adjective

1.

having the necessary number of feet or syllables, esp having a complete final foot

noun

2.

a verse having the full number of syllables

Word origin

C16: via Late Latin from Greek akatalēktikos. See a-1, catalectic

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Word Frequency

acatalectic in American English

(ˌeɪˌkætəlˈɛktɪk )

adjective Prosody

1.

having the full number of syllables, esp. in the last foot

noun

2.

an acatalectic line of verse

Word origin

LL acatalecticus < Gr akatalēktos, incessant < a-, without + katalēgein: see catalectic

acaudal in British English

(eɪˈkɔːdəl ) or acaudate (eɪˈkɔːdeɪt)

adjective

zoology

having no tail

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acaudal in American English

(eɪˈkɔdəl )

adjective

having no tail

: also aˈcauˌdate (eɪˈkɔˌdeɪt )

Word origin

a-2 + caudal

acaudal in American English

(eiˈkɔdl)

adjective

Zoology

tailless

Also: acaudate (eiˈkɔdeit)

Word origin

[1855–60; a-6 + caudal]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: barrage, lavabo, pickup, pipeline, specialist

acaudal in British English

(eɪˈkɔːdəl ) or acaudate (eɪˈkɔːdeɪt)

adjective

zoology

having no tail

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acaudal in American English

(eɪˈkɔdəl )

adjective

having no tail

: also aˈcauˌdate (eɪˈkɔˌdeɪt )

Word origin

a-2 + caudal

acaudal in American English

(eiˈkɔdl)

adjective

Zoology

tailless

Also: acaudate (eiˈkɔdeit)

Word origin

[1855–60; a-6 + caudal]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: barrage, lavabo, pickup, pipeline, specialist

Word Frequency

acaulescent in British English

(ˌækɔːˈlɛsənt ) or acaulous (eɪˈkɔːləs)

adjective

having no visible stem or a very short one

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Word Frequency

acaulescent in American English

(ˌeɪkɔˈlɛsənt )

adjective

Botany

having no stem or only a very short stem

: also aˈcaulous (eɪˈkɔləs )

Derived forms

acaulescence (ˌacauˈlescence)

noun

Word origin

Word Frequency

acaulescent in British English

(ˌækɔːˈlɛsənt ) or acaulous (eɪˈkɔːləs)

adjective

having no visible stem or a very short one

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Word Frequency

acaulescent in American English

(ˌeɪkɔˈlɛsənt )

adjective

Botany

having no stem or only a very short stem

: also aˈcaulous (eɪˈkɔləs )

Derived forms

acaulescence (ˌacauˈlescence)

noun

Word origin

Word Frequency

ACC in British English

abbreviation for (in New Zealand )

Word Frequency

acc. in British English

abbreviation for

1. accounting

account

2. grammar

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Word Frequency

acc in American English

1.

2.

account

3.

accusative

Word Frequency

ACC in British English

abbreviation for (in New Zealand )

Word Frequency

acc. in British English

abbreviation for

1. accounting

account

2. grammar

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Word Frequency

acc in American English

1.

2.

account

3.

accusative

Word Frequency

Akkadian in British English

or Accadian (əˈkædɪən , əˈkeɪ-)

noun

1.

a member of an ancient Semitic people who lived in central Mesopotamia in the third millennium bc

2.

the extinct language of this people, belonging to the E Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family

adjective

3.

of or relating to this people or their language

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Word Frequency

Akkadian in American English

(əˈkeɪdiən ; əˈkɑdiən )

adjective

1.

of ancient Akkad or its people, language, or culture

noun

2.

an extinct Semitic language of the Mesopotamian region, constituting the eastern branch of the Semitic language subfamily

3.

a person born or living in ancient Akkad

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerando in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrændəʊ ) music

adjective, adverb

1.

(to be performed) with increasing speed

nounWord forms: plural -dos

2.

an increase in speed

Word origin

Italian

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Word Frequency

accelerando in American English

(ɑˌtʃɛləˈrɑnˌdoʊ )

adjective, adverb

Musical Direction

with gradually quickening tempo

Word origin

It, prp. of accelerare < L: see accelerate

Word Frequency

accelerant in British English

(ækˈsɛlərənt )

noun

chemistry another name for accelerator (sense 3)

Word origin

C20: from Latin from accelerāns, present participle of accelerāre to go faster

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Word Frequency

accelerant in American English

(ækˈsɛlərənt ; əkˈsɛlərənt )

adjective

1.

noun

2.

something that increases the speed of a process

3. Chemistry; Obsolete

Word origin

L accelerans, prp. of accelerare: see accelerate

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

acceleration

(ækseləreɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster.

He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. [+ of/in]

...the sharp acceleration in job losses. [+ of/in]

Synonyms: hastening, hurrying, stepping up [informal], expedition More Synonyms of acceleration

2. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

Synonyms: speeding up, gathering speed, opening up, increasing speed More Synonyms of acceleration

3. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases.

[technical]

Video: pronunciation of
acceleration

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Word Frequency

acceleration in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated

2.

the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity

Symbol: a

3.

the power to accelerate

Symbol: a

Word Frequency

acceleration in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən ; əkˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; əkˌsɛləreɪʃɛn )

noun

1.

an accelerating or being accelerated

2.

the rate of change in the velocity of a moving body

abbrev. a

Word Frequency

acceleration in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛləreɪʃən)

noun

(Mechanical engineering: General)

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

The vehicle has an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The acceleration due to gravity, g, is 9.81ms-2.

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

Word Frequency

acceleration

(ækseləreɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster.

He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. [+ of/in]

...the sharp acceleration in job losses. [+ of/in]

Synonyms: hastening, hurrying, stepping up [informal], expedition More Synonyms of acceleration

2. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

Synonyms: speeding up, gathering speed, opening up, increasing speed More Synonyms of acceleration

3. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases.

[technical]

Video: pronunciation of
acceleration

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Word Frequency

acceleration in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated

2.

the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity

Symbol: a

3.

the power to accelerate

Symbol: a

Word Frequency

acceleration in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən ; əkˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; əkˌsɛləreɪʃɛn )

noun

1.

an accelerating or being accelerated

2.

the rate of change in the velocity of a moving body

abbrev. a

Word Frequency

acceleration in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛləreɪʃən)

noun

(Mechanical engineering: General)

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

The vehicle has an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The acceleration due to gravity, g, is 9.81ms-2.

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛlərətɪv ; əkˈsɛlərətɪv )

adjective

of, causing, or increasing acceleration

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Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈseləˌreitɪv, -ərətɪv)

adjective

tending to accelerate; increasing the velocity of

Also: acceleratory (ækˈselərəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

Word origin

[1745–55; accelerate + -ive]This word is first recorded in the period 1745–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: artistic, compressor, pompadour, symmetrical, vignette-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

accelerator

(ækseləreɪtəʳ )

Word forms: plural accelerators

countable noun

The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator.

Video: pronunciation of
accelerator

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Word Frequency

accelerator in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪtə )

noun

1.

a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

2. Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics

a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

3. chemistry

a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4.

(in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. anatomy

a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

Word Frequency

accelerator in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtər ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; əkˈsɛləˌreɪtər )

noun

1.

a person or thing that accelerates or increases the speed of something

; specif.,

a.

a device, such as the foot throttle of an automobile, for increasing the speed of a machine

b.

a nerve or muscle that speeds up a body function

2. Chemistry

a substance that speeds up a reaction

3. Nuclear Physics

a betatron, cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or similar apparatus that accelerates charged particles to high energies: accelerators are used for experimental purposes

4. Photography

a chemical that speeds up developing

Word Frequency

accelerator in Automotive Engineering

(æksɛləreɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerators

noun

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)

The accelerator in a vehicle is the pedal that controls the flow of gasoline to the engine, which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator to slow down.

She put her foot down on the accelerator when the lights changed to green.

Student drivers need to be able to keep the proper balance between clutch and accelerator.

Word Frequency

accelerator

(ækseləreɪtəʳ )

Word forms: plural accelerators

countable noun

The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator.

Video: pronunciation of
accelerator

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Word Frequency

accelerator in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪtə )

noun

1.

a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

2. Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics

a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

3. chemistry

a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4.

(in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. anatomy

a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

Word Frequency

accelerator in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtər ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; əkˈsɛləˌreɪtər )

noun

1.

a person or thing that accelerates or increases the speed of something

; specif.,

a.

a device, such as the foot throttle of an automobile, for increasing the speed of a machine

b.

a nerve or muscle that speeds up a body function

2. Chemistry

a substance that speeds up a reaction

3. Nuclear Physics

a betatron, cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or similar apparatus that accelerates charged particles to high energies: accelerators are used for experimental purposes

4. Photography

a chemical that speeds up developing

Word Frequency

accelerator in Automotive Engineering

(æksɛləreɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerators

noun

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)

The accelerator in a vehicle is the pedal that controls the flow of gasoline to the engine, which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator to slow down.

She put her foot down on the accelerator when the lights changed to green.

Student drivers need to be able to keep the proper balance between clutch and accelerator.

Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛlərətɪv ; əkˈsɛlərətɪv )

adjective

of, causing, or increasing acceleration

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Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈseləˌreitɪv, -ərətɪv)

adjective

tending to accelerate; increasing the velocity of

Also: acceleratory (ækˈselərəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

Word origin

[1745–55; accelerate + -ive]This word is first recorded in the period 1745–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: artistic, compressor, pompadour, symmetrical, vignette-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

accelerometer in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

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Word Frequency

accelerometer in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; ækˌsɛləˈrɑmətər ; əkˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; əkˌsɛləˈrɑmətər )

US

noun

a mechanical or electromechanical instrument for measuring acceleration, as of an aircraft, or for detecting vibrations, as in machinery

Word origin

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Accelerometers measure vibrations of the machine.

Vibratory motion is often sensed by using an accelerometer attached to the vibrating object.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Word builder-meterThe suffix -meter is often used for instruments that measure things.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Electrical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Electrical engineering: Instrumentation, measuring, and testing, Devices)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

When a low-level accelerometer experiences a large, high-frequency, input acceleration beyond its dynamic operating range, the control circuit's prefilter amplification can saturate.

Direct measurement of acceleration is made using an accelerometer, which makes use of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

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Word Frequency

accelerometer in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; ækˌsɛləˈrɑmətər ; əkˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; əkˌsɛləˈrɑmətər )

US

noun

a mechanical or electromechanical instrument for measuring acceleration, as of an aircraft, or for detecting vibrations, as in machinery

Word origin

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Accelerometers measure vibrations of the machine.

Vibratory motion is often sensed by using an accelerometer attached to the vibrating object.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Word builder-meterThe suffix -meter is often used for instruments that measure things.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Electrical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Electrical engineering: Instrumentation, measuring, and testing, Devices)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

When a low-level accelerometer experiences a large, high-frequency, input acceleration beyond its dynamic operating range, the control circuit's prefilter amplification can saturate.

Direct measurement of acceleration is made using an accelerometer, which makes use of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

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Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accented

(æksentɪd )

1. adjective

Language or speech that is accented is spoken with a particular accent.

I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English.

'Don't do that,' he says in his soft, accented voice.

2. See also accent

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Word Frequency

accented in British English

(ˈæksɛntɪd)

adjective

1.

characterized by the particular mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English.

'Don't do that,' he says in his soft, accented voice.

Her French was slurred and oddly accented.

His English was heavily accented.

2. linguistics

marked by an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

The last syllable is not accented.

You place the plastic sheets over your keyboard to indicate where various accented characters should be.

3.

given particular emphasis or stress

The humorous side of a friendship is accented.

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

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Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

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Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accentual in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmic

2. prosody

of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables

Compare quantitative (sense 3)

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

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Word Frequency

accentual in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuəl ; əkˈsɛntʃuəl )

adjective

1.

of or having to do with accent

2.

having rhythm based on stress rather than on the number of syllables or length of sounds, as some poetry

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

Word origin

< L accentus (see accent) + -al

accentual in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmic

2. prosody

of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables

Compare quantitative (sense 3)

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

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accentual in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuəl ; əkˈsɛntʃuəl )

adjective

1.

of or having to do with accent

2.

having rhythm based on stress rather than on the number of syllables or length of sounds, as some poetry

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

Word origin

< L accentus (see accent) + -al

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accept

(æksept )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accepts , present participle accepting , past tense, past participle accepted

1. verb

If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.

Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage. [VERB noun]

Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted by jumble sale organisers. [VERB noun]

All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted. [VERB]

Synonyms: receive, take, gain, pick up More Synonyms of accept

2. verb

If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid.

I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science. [VERB that]

I don't think they would accept that view. [VERB noun]

He did not accept this reply as valid. [VERB noun + as]

...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: acknowledge, believe, allow, admit More Synonyms of accept

3. verb

If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen.

Accepting the report's proposals would mean a change in church law. [VERB noun]

The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed.

Some people can accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good. [VERB noun]

Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life. [VERB noun + as]

I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility. [VERB that]

Synonyms: stand, take, experience, suffer More Synonyms of accept

5. verb

If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it.

We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising. [VERB noun]

Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card. [be VERB-ed]

Proof of postage will not be accepted as proof of receipt. [be V-ed as n]

[Also V n as n/adj]

6. verb

If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered.

All-male groups will not be accepted. [be VERB-ed]

...incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants. [VERB noun + as]

7. verb

If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do.

My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me. [VERB noun]

Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner. [VERB noun + as]

Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: welcome, receive, greet, embrace More Synonyms of accept

8. verb

If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it.

The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. [VERB noun]

9. verb

If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say.

The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership. [VERB noun]

Don't automatically accept the solicitor recommended by the broker. [VERB noun]

10. verb

If someone's body accepts a transplanted organ, the organ becomes part of the body and starts to function normally.

...drugs which will fool the body into accepting transplants. [VERB noun]

11. verb

If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it.

The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins. [VERB noun]

12. See also accepted

Video: pronunciation of
accept

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Word Frequency

accept in British English

(əkˈsɛpt )

verb (mainly tr)

1.

to take or receive (something offered)

2.

to give an affirmative reply to

to accept an invitation

3.

to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc, of

she accepted office

4.

to tolerate or accommodate oneself to

5.

to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc)

I cannot accept your argument

6. (may take a clause as object)

to be willing to grant or believe

you must accept that he lied

7.

to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc

8. business

to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc), esp by signing

9.

to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid

10.

to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc)

11. (intransitive; sometimes foll by of) archaic

to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin acceptāre, from ad- to + capere to take

Word Frequency

accept in American English

(ækˈsɛpt ; əkˈsɛpt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (what is offered or given); receive, esp. willingly

2.

to receive favorably; approve

to accept a theory

3.

to submit to; be resigned to

he had to accept defeat

4.

to believe in

5.

to understand as having a certain meaning

6.

to respond to in the affirmative

to accept an invitation

7.

to admit as a student, member, etc.

8.

to agree to take the responsibilities of (a job, office, etc.)

9.

to receive (a committee report) as satisfactory according to parliamentary procedure

10. Business

to agree, as by a signed promise, to pay

11. Law

to receive with intent to retain and adopt

verb intransitive

12.

to accept something offered

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈceive

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

ME accepten < OFr accepter < L acceptare < pp. stem of accipere < ad-, to + capere, to take: see have

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptance

(ækseptəns )

Word forms: plural acceptances

1. variable noun [oft poss NOUN]

Acceptance of an offer or a proposal is the act of saying yes to it or agreeing to it.

The Party is being degraded by its acceptance of secret donations. [+ of]

I sent them more than 6,000 cartoons before I had my one and only acceptance by them.

Several shareholders have withdrawn earlier acceptances of the offer.

...a letter of acceptance.

...his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Synonyms: accepting, taking, receiving, obtaining More Synonyms of acceptance

2. uncountable noun

If there is acceptance of an idea, most people believe or agree that it is true.

...a theory that is steadily gaining acceptance.

There was a general acceptance that the defence budget would shrink.

Synonyms: acknowledgement, agreement, belief, approval More Synonyms of acceptance

3. uncountable noun

Your acceptance of a situation, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, is an attitude or feeling that you cannot change it and that you must get used to it.

Their acceptance of the system will probably determine its long-term fate.

...his calm acceptance of whatever comes his way. [+ of]

4. uncountable noun [usually with supplement]

If there is acceptance of a new product, people start to like it and get used to it.

Customer acceptance of this technology has been outstanding.

Avant-garde music to this day has not found general public acceptance.

Synonyms: approval, following, support, embracing More Synonyms of acceptance

5. uncountable noun

Acceptance of someone into a group means beginning to think of them as part of the group and to act in a friendly way towards them.

...an effort to ensure that people with disabilities achieve real acceptance.

Synonyms: recognition, appreciation, acknowledgment More Synonyms of acceptance

More Synonyms of acceptance

Video: pronunciation of
acceptance

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Word Frequency

acceptance in British English

(əkˈsɛptəns )

noun

1.

the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable

2.

3. (often foll by of)

belief (in) or assent (to)

4. business

a.

a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc

b.

the document so accepted

Compare bank acceptance

5. (plural) Australian and New Zealand

a list of horses accepted as starters in a race

6. contract law

words or conduct by which a person signifies his or her assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement

Word Frequency

acceptance in American English

(ækˈsɛptəns ; əkˈsɛptəns )

noun

1.

an accepting or being accepted

2.

approving reception; approval; acceptability

3.

belief in; assent

4.

a draft or bill of exchange that has been accepted for payment

5. Law

an express or implied act by which one accepts an obligation, offer, contract, etc. together with all its legal consequences

Word Frequency

acceptancy in British English

(ækˈsɛptənsɪ)

noun

a less common word for acceptance (sense 1), acceptance (sense 2), acceptance (sense 3)

acceptance in British English

(əkˈsɛptəns )

noun

1.

the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable

2.

3. (often foll by of)

belief (in) or assent (to)

4. business

a.

a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc

b.

the document so accepted

Compare bank acceptance

5. (plural) Australian and New Zealand

a list of horses accepted as starters in a race

6. contract law

words or conduct by which a person signifies his or her assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement

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Word Frequency

acceptancy in American English

(ækˈseptənsi)

nounWord forms: plural -cies

1.

the act of accepting; acceptance

2.

a willingness to accept or receive; receptiveness

Word origin

[1855–60; accept + -ancy]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boilerplate, keyword, kickoff, output, specialist-ancy is a combination of -ance and -y, used to form nouns denoting state or quality. Other words that use the affix -ancy include: habitancy, itinerancy, malignancy, occupancy, vagrancy

Word Frequency

acceptant in British English

(əkˈsɛptənt )

adjective

receiving willingly; receptive

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Word Frequency

acceptant in American English

(ækˈsɛptənt )

adjective

readily accepting; receptive

Word Frequency

acceptant in American English

(ækˈseptənt)

adjective

willingly or readily accepting or receiving; receptive

Word origin

[1590–1600; accept + -ant]This word is first recorded in the period 1590–1600. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: class, dummy, mission, operator, radius-ant is a suffix forming adjectives and nouns from verbs, occurring originally in French and Latin loanwords (pleasant; constant; servant) and productive in English on this model; -ant has the general sense “characterized by or serving in the capacity of” that named by the stem (ascendant; pretendant), esp. in the formation of nouns denoting human agents in legal actions or other formal procedures (tenant; defendant; applicant; contestant). In technical and commercial coinages, -ant is a suffix of nouns denoting impersonal physical agents (propellant; lubricant; deodorant). In general, -ant can be added only to bases of Latin origin, with a very few exceptions, as coolant

Word Frequency

acceptation in British English

(ˌæksɛpˈteɪʃən )

noun

the accepted meaning, as of a word, phrase, etc

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Word Frequency

acceptation in American English

(ˌæksɛpˈteɪʃən )

noun

1.

the generally accepted meaning (of a word or expression)

2. Archaic

acceptance

Word origin

LL acceptatio: see accept

Word Frequency

accepted

(ækseptɪd )

1. adjective [oft adverb ADJECTIVE]

Accepted ideas are agreed by most people to be correct or reasonable.

There is no generally accepted definition of life.

It is accepted wisdom that science has been partly responsible for the decline of religion.

Synonyms: agreed, received, common, standard More Synonyms of accepted

2. See also accept

Video: pronunciation of
accepted

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Word Frequency

accepted in British English

(əkˈsɛptɪd )

adjective

commonly approved or recognized; customary; established

Derived forms

acceptedly (acˈceptedly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accepted in American English

(ækˈsɛptɪd ; əkˈsɛptɪd )

adjective

generally regarded as true, valid, proper, etc.; conventional; approved

Word Frequency

accepted

(ækseptɪd )

1. adjective [oft adverb ADJECTIVE]

Accepted ideas are agreed by most people to be correct or reasonable.

There is no generally accepted definition of life.

It is accepted wisdom that science has been partly responsible for the decline of religion.

Synonyms: agreed, received, common, standard More Synonyms of accepted

2. See also accept

Video: pronunciation of
accepted

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Word Frequency

accepted in British English

(əkˈsɛptɪd )

adjective

commonly approved or recognized; customary; established

Derived forms

acceptedly (acˈceptedly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accepted in American English

(ækˈsɛptɪd ; əkˈsɛptɪd )

adjective

generally regarded as true, valid, proper, etc.; conventional; approved

Word Frequency

acceptee in British English

(ˌæksɛpˈtiː)

noun

a person who has been accepted, or has accepted a position

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Word Frequency

acceptee in American English

(ˌæksepˈti)

noun

a person who is accepted, as for military service

Word origin

[accept + -ee]-ee is a suffix forming from transitive verbs nouns which denote a person who is the object or beneficiary of the act specified by the verb (addressee; employee; grantee); more recent formations also mark the performer of an act, with the base being an intransitive verb (escapee; returnee; standee) or, less frequently, a transitive verb (attendee) or another part of speech (absentee; refugee)

Word Frequency

acceptee in British English

(ˌæksɛpˈtiː)

noun

a person who has been accepted, or has accepted a position

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Word Frequency

acceptee in American English

(ˌæksepˈti)

noun

a person who is accepted, as for military service

Word origin

[accept + -ee]-ee is a suffix forming from transitive verbs nouns which denote a person who is the object or beneficiary of the act specified by the verb (addressee; employee; grantee); more recent formations also mark the performer of an act, with the base being an intransitive verb (escapee; returnee; standee) or, less frequently, a transitive verb (attendee) or another part of speech (absentee; refugee)

Word Frequency

accept

(æksept )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accepts , present participle accepting , past tense, past participle accepted

1. verb

If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.

Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage. [VERB noun]

Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted by jumble sale organisers. [VERB noun]

All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted. [VERB]

Synonyms: receive, take, gain, pick up More Synonyms of accept

2. verb

If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid.

I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science. [VERB that]

I don't think they would accept that view. [VERB noun]

He did not accept this reply as valid. [VERB noun + as]

...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: acknowledge, believe, allow, admit More Synonyms of accept

3. verb

If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen.

Accepting the report's proposals would mean a change in church law. [VERB noun]

The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed.

Some people can accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good. [VERB noun]

Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life. [VERB noun + as]

I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility. [VERB that]

Synonyms: stand, take, experience, suffer More Synonyms of accept

5. verb

If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it.

We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising. [VERB noun]

Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card. [be VERB-ed]

Proof of postage will not be accepted as proof of receipt. [be V-ed as n]

[Also V n as n/adj]

6. verb

If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered.

All-male groups will not be accepted. [be VERB-ed]

...incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants. [VERB noun + as]

7. verb

If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do.

My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me. [VERB noun]

Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner. [VERB noun + as]

Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: welcome, receive, greet, embrace More Synonyms of accept

8. verb

If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it.

The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. [VERB noun]

9. verb

If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say.

The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership. [VERB noun]

Don't automatically accept the solicitor recommended by the broker. [VERB noun]

10. verb

If someone's body accepts a transplanted organ, the organ becomes part of the body and starts to function normally.

...drugs which will fool the body into accepting transplants. [VERB noun]

11. verb

If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it.

The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins. [VERB noun]

12. See also accepted

Video: pronunciation of
accept

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Word Frequency

accept in British English

(əkˈsɛpt )

verb (mainly tr)

1.

to take or receive (something offered)

2.

to give an affirmative reply to

to accept an invitation

3.

to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc, of

she accepted office

4.

to tolerate or accommodate oneself to

5.

to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc)

I cannot accept your argument

6. (may take a clause as object)

to be willing to grant or believe

you must accept that he lied

7.

to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc

8. business

to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc), esp by signing

9.

to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid

10.

to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc)

11. (intransitive; sometimes foll by of) archaic

to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin acceptāre, from ad- to + capere to take

Word Frequency

accept in American English

(ækˈsɛpt ; əkˈsɛpt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (what is offered or given); receive, esp. willingly

2.

to receive favorably; approve

to accept a theory

3.

to submit to; be resigned to

he had to accept defeat

4.

to believe in

5.

to understand as having a certain meaning

6.

to respond to in the affirmative

to accept an invitation

7.

to admit as a student, member, etc.

8.

to agree to take the responsibilities of (a job, office, etc.)

9.

to receive (a committee report) as satisfactory according to parliamentary procedure

10. Business

to agree, as by a signed promise, to pay

11. Law

to receive with intent to retain and adopt

verb intransitive

12.

to accept something offered

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈceive

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

ME accepten < OFr accepter < L acceptare < pp. stem of accipere < ad-, to + capere, to take: see have

Word Frequency

acceptive in British English

(ækˈsɛptɪv)

adjective

ready or willing to accept

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Word Frequency

acceptive in American English

(ækˈseptɪv)

adjective

1.

inclined to receive or accept; receptive

She was seldom acceptive of my suggestions

2.

reasonably satisfactory; acceptable

an acceptive mode of transportation

Word origin

[1590–1600; accept + -ive, on the model of receptive]This word is first recorded in the period 1590–1600. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: attack, class, squeeze, tea, tube-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, corrective, destructive, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

acceptor in British English

(əkˈsɛptə )

noun

1. business

the person or organization on which a draft or bill of exchange is drawn after liability has been accepted, usually by signature

2. Also called: acceptor impurity electronics

an impurity, such as gallium, added to a semiconductor material to increase its p-type conductivity by increasing the number of holes in the semiconductor

Compare donor (sense 5)

3. electronics

a circuit tuned to accept a particular frequency

4. chemistry

the atom or group that accepts electrons in a coordinate bond

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Word Frequency

acceptor in American English

(ækˈsɛptər ; əkˈsɛptər )

noun

1.

one who accepts; specif., a person who signs a promise to pay a draft or bill of exchange

2. Chemistry

an atom that receives a pair of electrons from another atom to form a covalent bond with it

3. Electronics

an impurity, as gallium or boron, added to a semiconductor crystal to make a p-type semiconductor

Word Frequency

acceptor in British English

(əkˈsɛptə )

noun

1. business

the person or organization on which a draft or bill of exchange is drawn after liability has been accepted, usually by signature

2. Also called: acceptor impurity electronics

an impurity, such as gallium, added to a semiconductor material to increase its p-type conductivity by increasing the number of holes in the semiconductor

Compare donor (sense 5)

3. electronics

a circuit tuned to accept a particular frequency

4. chemistry

the atom or group that accepts electrons in a coordinate bond

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Word Frequency

acceptor in American English

(ækˈsɛptər ; əkˈsɛptər )

noun

1.

one who accepts; specif., a person who signs a promise to pay a draft or bill of exchange

2. Chemistry

an atom that receives a pair of electrons from another atom to form a covalent bond with it

3. Electronics

an impurity, as gallium or boron, added to a semiconductor crystal to make a p-type semiconductor

Word Frequency

accept

(æksept )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accepts , present participle accepting , past tense, past participle accepted

1. verb

If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.

Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage. [VERB noun]

Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted by jumble sale organisers. [VERB noun]

All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted. [VERB]

Synonyms: receive, take, gain, pick up More Synonyms of accept

2. verb

If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid.

I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science. [VERB that]

I don't think they would accept that view. [VERB noun]

He did not accept this reply as valid. [VERB noun + as]

...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: acknowledge, believe, allow, admit More Synonyms of accept

3. verb

If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen.

Accepting the report's proposals would mean a change in church law. [VERB noun]

The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed.

Some people can accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good. [VERB noun]

Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life. [VERB noun + as]

I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility. [VERB that]

Synonyms: stand, take, experience, suffer More Synonyms of accept

5. verb

If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it.

We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising. [VERB noun]

Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card. [be VERB-ed]

Proof of postage will not be accepted as proof of receipt. [be V-ed as n]

[Also V n as n/adj]

6. verb

If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered.

All-male groups will not be accepted. [be VERB-ed]

...incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants. [VERB noun + as]

7. verb

If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do.

My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me. [VERB noun]

Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner. [VERB noun + as]

Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: welcome, receive, greet, embrace More Synonyms of accept

8. verb

If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it.

The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. [VERB noun]

9. verb

If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say.

The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership. [VERB noun]

Don't automatically accept the solicitor recommended by the broker. [VERB noun]

10. verb

If someone's body accepts a transplanted organ, the organ becomes part of the body and starts to function normally.

...drugs which will fool the body into accepting transplants. [VERB noun]

11. verb

If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it.

The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins. [VERB noun]

12. See also accepted

Video: pronunciation of
accept

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Word Frequency

accept in British English

(əkˈsɛpt )

verb (mainly tr)

1.

to take or receive (something offered)

2.

to give an affirmative reply to

to accept an invitation

3.

to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc, of

she accepted office

4.

to tolerate or accommodate oneself to

5.

to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc)

I cannot accept your argument

6. (may take a clause as object)

to be willing to grant or believe

you must accept that he lied

7.

to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc

8. business

to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc), esp by signing

9.

to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid

10.

to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc)

11. (intransitive; sometimes foll by of) archaic

to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin acceptāre, from ad- to + capere to take

Word Frequency

accept in American English

(ækˈsɛpt ; əkˈsɛpt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (what is offered or given); receive, esp. willingly

2.

to receive favorably; approve

to accept a theory

3.

to submit to; be resigned to

he had to accept defeat

4.

to believe in

5.

to understand as having a certain meaning

6.

to respond to in the affirmative

to accept an invitation

7.

to admit as a student, member, etc.

8.

to agree to take the responsibilities of (a job, office, etc.)

9.

to receive (a committee report) as satisfactory according to parliamentary procedure

10. Business

to agree, as by a signed promise, to pay

11. Law

to receive with intent to retain and adopt

verb intransitive

12.

to accept something offered

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈceive

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

ME accepten < OFr accepter < L acceptare < pp. stem of accipere < ad-, to + capere, to take: see have

Word Frequency

access

(ækses )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accesses , present participle accessing , past tense, past participle accessed

1. uncountable noun

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it.

The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to]

Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to]

The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to]

Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée More Synonyms of access

2. uncountable noun

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.

...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to]

Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment.

3. uncountable noun

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.

He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to]

He had direct access to the Prime Minister.

4. verb

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it.

You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain More Synonyms of access

Video: pronunciation of
access

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Word Frequency

access in British English

(ˈæksɛs )

noun

1.

the act of approaching or entering

2.

the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3.

the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4.

a way or means of approach or entry

5.

the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

I was denied access to my children

6. (modifier)

designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

access television

7.

a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

8.

to gain access to; make accessible or available

9. (transitive) computing

a.

to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

b.

to place (information) in a storage device

See also direct access, sequential access

Word origin

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Word Frequency

access in American English

(ˈækˌsɛs )

noun

1.

the act of coming toward or near to; approach

2.

a way or means of approaching, getting, using, etc.

3.

the right to enter, approach, or use; admittance

4.

increase or growth

5.

an outburst; paroxysm

an access of anger

verb transitive

6.

to gain or have access to; esp., to retrieve data from, or add data to, a database

branch officials can access the central database

Word origin

ME & OFr acces < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

Word Frequency

accessary in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

law a less common spelling of accessory

Derived forms

accessarily (acˈcessarily)

adverb

accessariness (acˈcessariness)

noun

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessary in American English

(ækˈsɛsəri ; əkˈsɛsəri )

adjective, nounWord forms: plural acˈcessaries

UNRESOLVED CROSS REF

Word Frequency

access

(ækses )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accesses , present participle accessing , past tense, past participle accessed

1. uncountable noun

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it.

The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to]

Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to]

The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to]

Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée More Synonyms of access

2. uncountable noun

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.

...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to]

Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment.

3. uncountable noun

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.

He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to]

He had direct access to the Prime Minister.

4. verb

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it.

You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain More Synonyms of access

Video: pronunciation of
access

You may also like

Word Frequency

access in British English

(ˈæksɛs )

noun

1.

the act of approaching or entering

2.

the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3.

the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4.

a way or means of approach or entry

5.

the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

I was denied access to my children

6. (modifier)

designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

access television

7.

a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

8.

to gain access to; make accessible or available

9. (transitive) computing

a.

to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

b.

to place (information) in a storage device

See also direct access, sequential access

Word origin

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Word Frequency

access in American English

(ˈækˌsɛs )

noun

1.

the act of coming toward or near to; approach

2.

a way or means of approaching, getting, using, etc.

3.

the right to enter, approach, or use; admittance

4.

increase or growth

5.

an outburst; paroxysm

an access of anger

verb transitive

6.

to gain or have access to; esp., to retrieve data from, or add data to, a database

branch officials can access the central database

Word origin

ME & OFr acces < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

Word Frequency

access

(ækses )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accesses , present participle accessing , past tense, past participle accessed

1. uncountable noun

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it.

The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to]

Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to]

The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to]

Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée More Synonyms of access

2. uncountable noun

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.

...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to]

Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment.

3. uncountable noun

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.

He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to]

He had direct access to the Prime Minister.

4. verb

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it.

You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain More Synonyms of access

Video: pronunciation of
access

You may also like

Word Frequency

access in British English

(ˈæksɛs )

noun

1.

the act of approaching or entering

2.

the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3.

the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4.

a way or means of approach or entry

5.

the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

I was denied access to my children

6. (modifier)

designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

access television

7.

a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

8.

to gain access to; make accessible or available

9. (transitive) computing

a.

to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

b.

to place (information) in a storage device

See also direct access, sequential access

Word origin

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Word Frequency

access in American English

(ˈækˌsɛs )

noun

1.

the act of coming toward or near to; approach

2.

a way or means of approaching, getting, using, etc.

3.

the right to enter, approach, or use; admittance

4.

increase or growth

5.

an outburst; paroxysm

an access of anger

verb transitive

6.

to gain or have access to; esp., to retrieve data from, or add data to, a database

branch officials can access the central database

Word origin

ME & OFr acces < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

Word Frequency

accessible

(æksesɪbəl )

1. adjective

If a place or building is accessible to people, it is easy for them to reach it or get into it. If an object is accessible, it is easy to reach.

The Centre is easily accessible to the general public. [+ to]

The premises are wheelchair accessible.

I kept my phone readily accessible in case I saw something that needed to be filmed.

accessibility (æksesɪbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...the easy accessibility of the area. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

2. adjective

If something is accessible to people, they can easily use it or obtain it.

The legal aid system should be accessible to more people. [+ to]

This device helps make virtual reality a more usable and accessible technology.

Synonyms: available, possible, ready, convenient More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

...the quality and accessibility of health care. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: availability, possibility, attainability, obtainability More Synonyms of accessible

3. adjective

If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible, you think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and appreciate easily.

[approval]

...literary books that are accessible to a general audience. [+ to]

...their reputation for providing exciting and accessible theatre for young people.

Synonyms: understandable, plain, conceivable, user-friendly More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience. [+ to]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Video: pronunciation of
accessible

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessible in British English

(əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

easy to approach, enter, use, or understand

3.

obtainable; available

4.

easy for disabled people to enter or use

5. logic

(of a possible world) surveyable from some other world so that the truth value of statements about it can be known. A statement possibly p is true in a world W if and only if p is true in some worlds accessible to W

Derived forms

accessibility (acˌcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accessible in American English

(ækˈsɛsəbəl ; əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

that can be approached or entered

2.

easy to approach or enter

3.

that can be got; obtainable

4.

open to the influence of

with to

accessible to pity

5.

easily understood or generally appreciated

an accessible poet

Derived forms

accessibility (acˈcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) accessibilis < L accessus, access

Word Frequency

accessible

(æksesɪbəl )

1. adjective

If a place or building is accessible to people, it is easy for them to reach it or get into it. If an object is accessible, it is easy to reach.

The Centre is easily accessible to the general public. [+ to]

The premises are wheelchair accessible.

I kept my phone readily accessible in case I saw something that needed to be filmed.

accessibility (æksesɪbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...the easy accessibility of the area. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

2. adjective

If something is accessible to people, they can easily use it or obtain it.

The legal aid system should be accessible to more people. [+ to]

This device helps make virtual reality a more usable and accessible technology.

Synonyms: available, possible, ready, convenient More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

...the quality and accessibility of health care. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: availability, possibility, attainability, obtainability More Synonyms of accessible

3. adjective

If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible, you think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and appreciate easily.

[approval]

...literary books that are accessible to a general audience. [+ to]

...their reputation for providing exciting and accessible theatre for young people.

Synonyms: understandable, plain, conceivable, user-friendly More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience. [+ to]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Video: pronunciation of
accessible

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessible in British English

(əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

easy to approach, enter, use, or understand

3.

obtainable; available

4.

easy for disabled people to enter or use

5. logic

(of a possible world) surveyable from some other world so that the truth value of statements about it can be known. A statement possibly p is true in a world W if and only if p is true in some worlds accessible to W

Derived forms

accessibility (acˌcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accessible in American English

(ækˈsɛsəbəl ; əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

that can be approached or entered

2.

easy to approach or enter

3.

that can be got; obtainable

4.

open to the influence of

with to

accessible to pity

5.

easily understood or generally appreciated

an accessible poet

Derived forms

accessibility (acˈcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) accessibilis < L accessus, access

Word Frequency

accessible

(æksesɪbəl )

1. adjective

If a place or building is accessible to people, it is easy for them to reach it or get into it. If an object is accessible, it is easy to reach.

The Centre is easily accessible to the general public. [+ to]

The premises are wheelchair accessible.

I kept my phone readily accessible in case I saw something that needed to be filmed.

accessibility (æksesɪbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...the easy accessibility of the area. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

2. adjective

If something is accessible to people, they can easily use it or obtain it.

The legal aid system should be accessible to more people. [+ to]

This device helps make virtual reality a more usable and accessible technology.

Synonyms: available, possible, ready, convenient More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

...the quality and accessibility of health care. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: availability, possibility, attainability, obtainability More Synonyms of accessible

3. adjective

If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible, you think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and appreciate easily.

[approval]

...literary books that are accessible to a general audience. [+ to]

...their reputation for providing exciting and accessible theatre for young people.

Synonyms: understandable, plain, conceivable, user-friendly More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience. [+ to]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Video: pronunciation of
accessible

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessible in British English

(əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

easy to approach, enter, use, or understand

3.

obtainable; available

4.

easy for disabled people to enter or use

5. logic

(of a possible world) surveyable from some other world so that the truth value of statements about it can be known. A statement possibly p is true in a world W if and only if p is true in some worlds accessible to W

Derived forms

accessibility (acˌcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accessible in American English

(ækˈsɛsəbəl ; əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

that can be approached or entered

2.

easy to approach or enter

3.

that can be got; obtainable

4.

open to the influence of

with to

accessible to pity

5.

easily understood or generally appreciated

an accessible poet

Derived forms

accessibility (acˈcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) accessibilis < L accessus, access

Word Frequency

access

(ækses )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accesses , present participle accessing , past tense, past participle accessed

1. uncountable noun

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it.

The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to]

Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to]

The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to]

Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée More Synonyms of access

2. uncountable noun

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.

...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to]

Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment.

3. uncountable noun

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.

He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to]

He had direct access to the Prime Minister.

4. verb

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it.

You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain More Synonyms of access

Video: pronunciation of
access

You may also like

Word Frequency

access in British English

(ˈæksɛs )

noun

1.

the act of approaching or entering

2.

the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3.

the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4.

a way or means of approach or entry

5.

the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

I was denied access to my children

6. (modifier)

designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

access television

7.

a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

8.

to gain access to; make accessible or available

9. (transitive) computing

a.

to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

b.

to place (information) in a storage device

See also direct access, sequential access

Word origin

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Word Frequency

access in American English

(ˈækˌsɛs )

noun

1.

the act of coming toward or near to; approach

2.

a way or means of approaching, getting, using, etc.

3.

the right to enter, approach, or use; admittance

4.

increase or growth

5.

an outburst; paroxysm

an access of anger

verb transitive

6.

to gain or have access to; esp., to retrieve data from, or add data to, a database

branch officials can access the central database

Word origin

ME & OFr acces < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accessorial in American English

(ˌæksɛˈsɔriəl )

adjective

of or like an accessory; supplementary

Word origin

< ML accessorius (see UNRESOLVED CROSS REF) + -al

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Word Frequency

accessorial in American English

(ˌæksəˈsɔriəl, -ˈsour-)

adjective

accessory; supplementary

Word origin

[1720–30; accessory + -al1]This word is first recorded in the period 1720–30. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: berm, catchword, fantail, saloon, stylus

Word Frequency

accessories in British English

plural noun

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Word Frequency

accessories in Retail

(æksɛsəriz)

noun

(Retail: Products)

Accessories belong to a product category in fashion stores, which includes items such as scarves, hats, gloves, belts, and purses.

Retail sales of both men's and women's fashion accessories finished the year on an up note, with hats and scarves the bestselling products.

The company manufactures bridal accessories, including veils, gloves, and hair ornaments.

Accessories belong to a product category in fashion stores, which includes items such as scarves, hats, gloves, belts, and purses.

Word Frequency

accessory

(æksesəri )

Word forms: plural accessories

1. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.

...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

Synonyms: extra, addition, supplement, convenience More Synonyms of accessory

2. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3. countable noun

If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police.

[law]

She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. [+ to]

Synonyms: accomplice, partner, ally, associate More Synonyms of accessory

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can use accessory to describe something which is part of an activity or process, but not the most essential or important part of it.

[formal]

Forster established that minerals are accessory food factors required for maintaining life.

Synonyms: supplementary, aiding, extra, additional More Synonyms of accessory

Video: pronunciation of
accessory

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Word Frequency

accessory in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

1.

a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural)

a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3.

a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

adjective

4.

supplementary; additional; subordinate

5.

assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Derived forms

accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl )

adjective

accessorily (acˈcessorily)

adverb

accessoriness (acˈcessoriness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Word Frequency

accessory in American English

(ækˈsesəri) (noun plural -ries)

noun

1.

a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera

2.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit

3. Law

a. Also called: accessory before the fact

a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony

b. Also called: accessory after the fact

a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony

Compare principal (sense 9b)

4. Anatomy See accessory nerve

adjective

5.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary

6. Law

giving aid as an accessory

7. Mineralogy

noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite

Derived forms

accessorily

adverb

accessoriness

noun

Word origin

[1400–50; late ME accessorie (‹ MF) ‹ ML accessōrius. See accede, -tory1]

Word Frequency

accessory

(æksesəri )

Word forms: plural accessories

1. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.

...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

Synonyms: extra, addition, supplement, convenience More Synonyms of accessory

2. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3. countable noun

If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police.

[law]

She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. [+ to]

Synonyms: accomplice, partner, ally, associate More Synonyms of accessory

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can use accessory to describe something which is part of an activity or process, but not the most essential or important part of it.

[formal]

Forster established that minerals are accessory food factors required for maintaining life.

Synonyms: supplementary, aiding, extra, additional More Synonyms of accessory

Video: pronunciation of
accessory

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Word Frequency

accessory in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

1.

a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural)

a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3.

a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

adjective

4.

supplementary; additional; subordinate

5.

assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Derived forms

accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl )

adjective

accessorily (acˈcessorily)

adverb

accessoriness (acˈcessoriness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Word Frequency

accessory in American English

(ækˈsesəri) (noun plural -ries)

noun

1.

a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera

2.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit

3. Law

a. Also called: accessory before the fact

a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony

b. Also called: accessory after the fact

a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony

Compare principal (sense 9b)

4. Anatomy See accessory nerve

adjective

5.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary

6. Law

giving aid as an accessory

7. Mineralogy

noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite

Derived forms

accessorily

adverb

accessoriness

noun

Word origin

[1400–50; late ME accessorie (‹ MF) ‹ ML accessōrius. See accede, -tory1]

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

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Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

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Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

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Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessory

(æksesəri )

Word forms: plural accessories

1. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.

...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

Synonyms: extra, addition, supplement, convenience More Synonyms of accessory

2. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3. countable noun

If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police.

[law]

She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. [+ to]

Synonyms: accomplice, partner, ally, associate More Synonyms of accessory

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can use accessory to describe something which is part of an activity or process, but not the most essential or important part of it.

[formal]

Forster established that minerals are accessory food factors required for maintaining life.

Synonyms: supplementary, aiding, extra, additional More Synonyms of accessory

Video: pronunciation of
accessory

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Word Frequency

accessory in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

1.

a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural)

a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3.

a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

adjective

4.

supplementary; additional; subordinate

5.

assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Derived forms

accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl )

adjective

accessorily (acˈcessorily)

adverb

accessoriness (acˈcessoriness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Word Frequency

accessory in American English

(ækˈsesəri) (noun plural -ries)

noun

1.

a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera

2.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit

3. Law

a. Also called: accessory before the fact

a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony

b. Also called: accessory after the fact

a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony

Compare principal (sense 9b)

4. Anatomy See accessory nerve

adjective

5.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary

6. Law

giving aid as an accessory

7. Mineralogy

noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite

Derived forms

accessorily

adverb

accessoriness

noun

Word origin

[1400–50; late ME accessorie (‹ MF) ‹ ML accessōrius. See accede, -tory1]

Word Frequency

acciaccatura in British English

(ɑːˌtʃɑːkɑːˈtʊərə )

nounWord forms: plural -ras or -re (-reɪ, -riː)

1.

a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it

2.

(in modern music) a very short appoggiatura

Word origin

C18: Italian, literally: a crushing sound

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Word Frequency

acciaccatura in American English

(əˌtʃɑkəˈtʊrə ; Italian ɑtˌtʃɑkkɑˈtuˌʀɑ)

Italian

noun

in keyboard music of the Baroque period, a short grace note sounded together with the principal note or chord, but quickly released

Word origin

It < acciaccare, to crush < accia, ax < L ascia: see ax1

Word Frequency

acciaccatura in British English

(ɑːˌtʃɑːkɑːˈtʊərə )

nounWord forms: plural -ras or -re (-reɪ, -riː)

1.

a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it

2.

(in modern music) a very short appoggiatura

Word origin

C18: Italian, literally: a crushing sound

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Word Frequency

acciaccatura in American English

(əˌtʃɑkəˈtʊrə ; Italian ɑtˌtʃɑkkɑˈtuˌʀɑ)

Italian

noun

in keyboard music of the Baroque period, a short grace note sounded together with the principal note or chord, but quickly released

Word origin

It < acciaccare, to crush < accia, ax < L ascia: see ax1

Word Frequency

accidence in British English

(ˈæksɪdəns )

noun

inflectional morphology; the part of grammar concerned with changes in the form of words by internal modification or by affixation, for the expression of tense, person, case, number, etc

Word origin

C15: from Latin accidentia accidental matters, hence inflections of words, from accidere to happen. See accident

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Word Frequency

accidence in American English

(ˈæksədəns )

noun

1.

the part of grammar that deals with the inflection of words

2.

the elementary or first parts of a subject; rudiments

Word origin

ME accidens, inflection < L accidentia, that which happens < accidens: see accident

Word Frequency

accident

(æksɪdənt )

Word forms: plural accidents

1. countable noun

An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle, causing injury or damage.

She was involved in a serious car accident last week.

Six passengers were killed in the accident.

Synonyms: crash, smash, wreck, collision More Synonyms of accident

2. countable noun

If someone has an accident, something unpleasant happens to them that was not intended, sometimes causing injury or death.

5,000 people die every year because of accidents in the home.

The police say the killing of the young man was an accident.

Synonyms: misfortune, blow, disaster, tragedy More Synonyms of accident

3. variable noun [usu by N]

If something happens by accident, it happens completely by chance.

She discovered the problem by accident.

Almost like an accident of nature, this family has produced more talent than seems possible.

Synonyms: chance, fortune, luck, fate More Synonyms of accident

4.

5.

See it's no accident

Video: pronunciation of
accident

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Word Frequency

accident in British English

(ˈæksɪdənt )

noun

1.

an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause

2.

anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune

I met him by accident

3.

a misfortune or mishap, esp one causing injury or death

4. Also called: adjunct logic, philosophy

a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something (as opposed to substance)

5. metaphysics

a property as contrasted with the substance in which it inheres

6. geology

a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp in a rock formation or a river system

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to + cadere to fall

Word Frequency

accident in American English

(ˈæksədənt )

noun

1.

a happening that is not expected, foreseen, or intended

2.

an unpleasant and unintended happening, sometimes resulting from negligence, that results in injury, loss, damage, etc.

3.

fortune; chance

to meet by accident

4.

an attribute or quality that is not essential

5. Geography and Geology

an irregular formation

6. Law

an unforeseen event that occurs without anyone's fault or negligence

Word origin

ME < OFr < L accidens, prp. of accidere, to fall upon, happen < ad-, to + cadere, to fall: see case1

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

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Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.

3. music

denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece

4. logic

(of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

5.

an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute

6. music

a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word Frequency

accidental in American English

(ˌæksəˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

happening by chance; fortuitous

2.

belonging but not essential; attributive; incidental

3. Music

of an accidental

noun

4.

a nonessential quality or feature

5. Music

a.

a sign, as a sharp, flat, or natural, placed before a note to show a change of pitch from that indicated by the key signature

b.

the tone indicated by such a sign

SYNONYMY NOTE: accidental describes that which occurs by chance [an accidental encounter] or outside the normal course of events [an accidental attribute]; fortuitous, which frequently suggests a complete absence of cause, now usually refers to chance events of a fortunate nature; , casual describes the unpremeditated, random, informal, or irregular quality of something [a casual visit, remark, dress, etc.]; incidental emphasizes the nonessential or secondary nature of something [an incidental consideration]; adventitious refers to that which is added extrinsically and connotes a lack of essential connection

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word origin

ME < LL accidentalis: see accident

Word Frequency

accidentalism in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlɪzəm), accidentality (ˌæksɪdɛnˈtælɪtɪ) or accidentalness (ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlnəs)

noun

the state of being accidental

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Word Frequency

accidentalism in American English

(ˌæksɪˈdentlˌɪzəm)

noun

1.

a system of medicine based on the symptoms of a disease, disregarding its origin or cause

2. Philosophy

any theory holding that some events have no causes

Derived forms

accidentalist

noun or adjective

Word origin

[1850–55; accidental + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boneyard, clear-cut, ethos, headhunting, segue-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)

Word Frequency

accidentalism in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlɪzəm), accidentality (ˌæksɪdɛnˈtælɪtɪ) or accidentalness (ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlnəs)

noun

the state of being accidental

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Word Frequency

accidentalism in American English

(ˌæksɪˈdentlˌɪzəm)

noun

1.

a system of medicine based on the symptoms of a disease, disregarding its origin or cause

2. Philosophy

any theory holding that some events have no causes

Derived forms

accidentalist

noun or adjective

Word origin

[1850–55; accidental + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boneyard, clear-cut, ethos, headhunting, segue-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

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Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.

3. music

denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece

4. logic

(of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

5.

an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute

6. music

a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word Frequency

accidental in American English

(ˌæksəˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

happening by chance; fortuitous

2.

belonging but not essential; attributive; incidental

3. Music

of an accidental

noun

4.

a nonessential quality or feature

5. Music

a.

a sign, as a sharp, flat, or natural, placed before a note to show a change of pitch from that indicated by the key signature

b.

the tone indicated by such a sign

SYNONYMY NOTE: accidental describes that which occurs by chance [an accidental encounter] or outside the normal course of events [an accidental attribute]; fortuitous, which frequently suggests a complete absence of cause, now usually refers to chance events of a fortunate nature; , casual describes the unpremeditated, random, informal, or irregular quality of something [a casual visit, remark, dress, etc.]; incidental emphasizes the nonessential or secondary nature of something [an incidental consideration]; adventitious refers to that which is added extrinsically and connotes a lack of essential connection

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word origin

ME < LL accidentalis: see accident

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

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Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.

3. music

denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece

4. logic

(of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

5.

an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute

6. music

a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word Frequency

accidental in American English

(ˌæksəˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

happening by chance; fortuitous

2.

belonging but not essential; attributive; incidental

3. Music

of an accidental

noun

4.

a nonessential quality or feature

5. Music

a.

a sign, as a sharp, flat, or natural, placed before a note to show a change of pitch from that indicated by the key signature

b.

the tone indicated by such a sign

SYNONYMY NOTE: accidental describes that which occurs by chance [an accidental encounter] or outside the normal course of events [an accidental attribute]; fortuitous, which frequently suggests a complete absence of cause, now usually refers to chance events of a fortunate nature; , casual describes the unpremeditated, random, informal, or irregular quality of something [a casual visit, remark, dress, etc.]; incidental emphasizes the nonessential or secondary nature of something [an incidental consideration]; adventitious refers to that which is added extrinsically and connotes a lack of essential connection

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word origin

ME < LL accidentalis: see accident

Word Frequency

accident prone

also accident-prone

adjective

If you describe someone or something as accident prone, you mean that a lot of accidents or other unpleasant things happen to them.

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Word Frequency

accident-prone in British English

adjective

more liable than most people to be involved in accidents

Word Frequency

accident-prone in American English

(ˈæksədəntˌproʊn )

adjective

having an apparent tendency or inclination to become involved in accidents

Derived forms

accident-proneness (ˈaccident-ˌproneness)

noun

Word Frequency

accident

(æksɪdənt )

Word forms: plural accidents

1. countable noun

An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle, causing injury or damage.

She was involved in a serious car accident last week.

Six passengers were killed in the accident.

Synonyms: crash, smash, wreck, collision More Synonyms of accident

2. countable noun

If someone has an accident, something unpleasant happens to them that was not intended, sometimes causing injury or death.

5,000 people die every year because of accidents in the home.

The police say the killing of the young man was an accident.

Synonyms: misfortune, blow, disaster, tragedy More Synonyms of accident

3. variable noun [usu by N]

If something happens by accident, it happens completely by chance.

She discovered the problem by accident.

Almost like an accident of nature, this family has produced more talent than seems possible.

Synonyms: chance, fortune, luck, fate More Synonyms of accident

4.

5.

See it's no accident

Video: pronunciation of
accident

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Word Frequency

accident in British English

(ˈæksɪdənt )

noun

1.

an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause

2.

anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune

I met him by accident

3.

a misfortune or mishap, esp one causing injury or death

4. Also called: adjunct logic, philosophy

a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something (as opposed to substance)

5. metaphysics

a property as contrasted with the substance in which it inheres

6. geology

a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp in a rock formation or a river system

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to + cadere to fall

Word Frequency

accident in American English

(ˈæksədənt )

noun

1.

a happening that is not expected, foreseen, or intended

2.

an unpleasant and unintended happening, sometimes resulting from negligence, that results in injury, loss, damage, etc.

3.

fortune; chance

to meet by accident

4.

an attribute or quality that is not essential

5. Geography and Geology

an irregular formation

6. Law

an unforeseen event that occurs without anyone's fault or negligence

Word origin

ME < OFr < L accidens, prp. of accidere, to fall upon, happen < ad-, to + cadere, to fall: see case1

Word Frequency

accidie in British English

(ˈæksɪdɪ ) or acedia

noun

spiritual sloth; apathy; indifference

Word origin

in use c13 to c16 and revived c19: via Late Latin from Greek akēdia, from a-1 + kēdos care

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Word Frequency

accidie in American English

(ˈæksəˌdi )

noun

acedia

: also acˈcidia (ækˈsɪdiə )

Word Frequency

accidie in British English

(ˈæksɪdɪ ) or acedia

noun

spiritual sloth; apathy; indifference

Word origin

in use c13 to c16 and revived c19: via Late Latin from Greek akēdia, from a-1 + kēdos care

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Word Frequency

accidie in American English

(ˈæksəˌdi )

noun

acedia

: also acˈcidia (ækˈsɪdiə )

Word Frequency

accipiter in British English

(ækˈsɪpɪtə )

noun

any hawk of the genus Accipiter, typically having short rounded wings and a long tail

Word origin

C19: New Latin, from Latin: hawk

Image of
accipiter

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Word Frequency

accipiter in American English

(ækˈsɪpətər )

noun

any of a genus (Accipiter) of small to medium-sized hawks with short, rounded wings and a long tail, as Cooper's hawk

Word origin

L < *acupeter, swift-winged < IE *au-, swift, prob. < base *a- (see acid) + *peter-, wing: see feather

Word Frequency

accipitrine in British English

(ækˈsɪpɪˌtraɪn , -trɪn)

adjective

1. Also: accipitral (ækˈsɪpɪtrəl )

of, relating to, or resembling a hawk; rapacious

2.

of, relating to, or belonging to the subfamily Accipitrinae, which includes the hawks

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Word Frequency

accipitrine in American English

(ækˈsɪpəˌtrɪn )

adjective

of or relating to a family (Accipitridae) of diurnal birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and kites

Word Frequency

acclaim

(əkleɪm )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclaims , present participle acclaiming , past tense, past participle acclaimed

1. verb [usually passive]

If someone or something is acclaimed, they are praised enthusiastically.

[formal]

She has been acclaimed for her leading roles in both theatre and film. [beV-ed for n/v-ing]

He was acclaimed as England's greatest modern painter. [be VERB-ed + as]

The group's debut album was immediately acclaimed a hip hop classic. [be VERB-ed noun]

Synonyms: praise, celebrate, honour, cheer More Synonyms of acclaim

acclaimed adjective

She has published six highly acclaimed novels.

Synonyms: celebrated, famous, acknowledged, praised More Synonyms of acclaim

2. uncountable noun [oft adjective NOUN]

Acclaim is public praise for someone or something.

[formal]

She has won critical acclaim for her excellent performance.

All this equipment has received international acclaim from the specialist hi-fi press.

Synonyms: praise, honour, celebration, approval More Synonyms of acclaim

Video: pronunciation of
acclaim

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Word Frequency

acclaim in British English

(əˈkleɪm )

verb

1. (transitive)

to acknowledge publicly the excellence of (a person, act, etc)

2.

to salute with cheering, clapping, etc; applaud

3. (transitive)

to acknowledge publicly that (a person) has (some position, quality, etc)

they acclaimed him king

noun

4.

an enthusiastic approval, expression of enthusiasm, etc

Derived forms

acclaimer (acˈclaimer)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin acclāmāre to shout at, shout applause, from ad- to + clamāre to shout

Word Frequency

acclaim in American English

(əˈkleɪm )

verb transitive

1.

to greet with loud applause or approval

2.

to announce with much applause or praise; hail

they acclaimed him president

verb intransitive

3.

to shout approval

noun

4.

loud applause or strong approval

SIMILAR WORDS: praise

Derived forms

acclaimer (acˈclaimer)

noun

Word origin

L acclamare < ad-, to + clamare, to cry out: see clamor

Word Frequency

acclaim

(əkleɪm )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclaims , present participle acclaiming , past tense, past participle acclaimed

1. verb [usually passive]

If someone or something is acclaimed, they are praised enthusiastically.

[formal]

She has been acclaimed for her leading roles in both theatre and film. [beV-ed for n/v-ing]

He was acclaimed as England's greatest modern painter. [be VERB-ed + as]

The group's debut album was immediately acclaimed a hip hop classic. [be VERB-ed noun]

Synonyms: praise, celebrate, honour, cheer More Synonyms of acclaim

acclaimed adjective

She has published six highly acclaimed novels.

Synonyms: celebrated, famous, acknowledged, praised More Synonyms of acclaim

2. uncountable noun [oft adjective NOUN]

Acclaim is public praise for someone or something.

[formal]

She has won critical acclaim for her excellent performance.

All this equipment has received international acclaim from the specialist hi-fi press.

Synonyms: praise, honour, celebration, approval More Synonyms of acclaim

Video: pronunciation of
acclaim

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Word Frequency

acclaim in British English

(əˈkleɪm )

verb

1. (transitive)

to acknowledge publicly the excellence of (a person, act, etc)

2.

to salute with cheering, clapping, etc; applaud

3. (transitive)

to acknowledge publicly that (a person) has (some position, quality, etc)

they acclaimed him king

noun

4.

an enthusiastic approval, expression of enthusiasm, etc

Derived forms

acclaimer (acˈclaimer)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin acclāmāre to shout at, shout applause, from ad- to + clamāre to shout

Word Frequency

acclaim in American English

(əˈkleɪm )

verb transitive

1.

to greet with loud applause or approval

2.

to announce with much applause or praise; hail

they acclaimed him president

verb intransitive

3.

to shout approval

noun

4.

loud applause or strong approval

SIMILAR WORDS: praise

Derived forms

acclaimer (acˈclaimer)

noun

Word origin

L acclamare < ad-, to + clamare, to cry out: see clamor

acclaim

(əkleɪm )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclaims , present participle acclaiming , past tense, past participle acclaimed

1. verb [usually passive]

If someone or something is acclaimed, they are praised enthusiastically.

[formal]

She has been acclaimed for her leading roles in both theatre and film. [beV-ed for n/v-ing]

He was acclaimed as England's greatest modern painter. [be VERB-ed + as]

The group's debut album was immediately acclaimed a hip hop classic. [be VERB-ed noun]

Synonyms: praise, celebrate, honour, cheer More Synonyms of acclaim

acclaimed adjective

She has published six highly acclaimed novels.

Synonyms: celebrated, famous, acknowledged, praised More Synonyms of acclaim

2. uncountable noun [oft adjective NOUN]

Acclaim is public praise for someone or something.

[formal]

She has won critical acclaim for her excellent performance.

All this equipment has received international acclaim from the specialist hi-fi press.

Synonyms: praise, honour, celebration, approval More Synonyms of acclaim

Video: pronunciation of
acclaim

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acclaim in British English

(əˈkleɪm )

verb

1. (transitive)

to acknowledge publicly the excellence of (a person, act, etc)

2.

to salute with cheering, clapping, etc; applaud

3. (transitive)

to acknowledge publicly that (a person) has (some position, quality, etc)

they acclaimed him king

noun

4.

an enthusiastic approval, expression of enthusiasm, etc

Derived forms

acclaimer (acˈclaimer)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin acclāmāre to shout at, shout applause, from ad- to + clamāre to shout

acclaim in American English

(əˈkleɪm )

verb transitive

1.

to greet with loud applause or approval

2.

to announce with much applause or praise; hail

they acclaimed him president

verb intransitive

3.

to shout approval

noun

4.

loud applause or strong approval

SIMILAR WORDS: praise

Derived forms

acclaimer (acˈclaimer)

noun

Word origin

L acclamare < ad-, to + clamare, to cry out: see clamor

acclaim

(əkleɪm )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclaims , present participle acclaiming , past tense, past participle acclaimed

1. verb [usually passive]

If someone or something is acclaimed, they are praised enthusiastically.

[formal]

She has been acclaimed for her leading roles in both theatre and film. [beV-ed for n/v-ing]

He was acclaimed as England's greatest modern painter. [be VERB-ed + as]

The group's debut album was immediately acclaimed a hip hop classic. [be VERB-ed noun]

Synonyms: praise, celebrate, honour, cheer More Synonyms of acclaim

acclaimed adjective

She has published six highly acclaimed novels.

Synonyms: celebrated, famous, acknowledged, praised More Synonyms of acclaim

2. uncountable noun [oft adjective NOUN]

Acclaim is public praise for someone or something.

[formal]

She has won critical acclaim for her excellent performance.

All this equipment has received international acclaim from the specialist hi-fi press.

Synonyms: praise, honour, celebration, approval More Synonyms of acclaim

Video: pronunciation of
acclaim

You may also like

acclaim in British English

(əˈkleɪm )

verb

1. (transitive)

to acknowledge publicly the excellence of (a person, act, etc)

2.

to salute with cheering, clapping, etc; applaud

3. (transitive)

to acknowledge publicly that (a person) has (some position, quality, etc)

they acclaimed him king

noun

4.

an enthusiastic approval, expression of enthusiasm, etc

Derived forms

acclaimer (acˈclaimer)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Latin acclāmāre to shout at, shout applause, from ad- to + clamāre to shout

acclaim in American English

(əˈkleɪm )

verb transitive

1.

to greet with loud applause or approval

2.

to announce with much applause or praise; hail

they acclaimed him president

verb intransitive

3.

to shout approval

noun

4.

loud applause or strong approval

SIMILAR WORDS: praise

Derived forms

acclaimer (acˈclaimer)

noun

Word origin

L acclamare < ad-, to + clamare, to cry out: see clamor

Word Frequency

acclamation

(ækləmeɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

Acclamation is a noisy or enthusiastic expression of approval for someone or something.

[formal]

The news was greeted with considerable popular acclamation.

2. uncountable noun

If someone is chosen or elected by acclamation, they are elected without a written vote.

[formal]

At first it looked like I was going to win by acclamation.

More Synonyms of acclamation

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Word Frequency

acclamation in British English

(ˌækləˈmeɪʃən )

noun

1.

an enthusiastic reception or exhibition of welcome, approval, etc

2.

an expression of approval by a meeting or gathering through shouts or applause

3. Canadian

an instance of electing or being elected without opposition

her acclamation is being publicly questioned

4. by acclamation

Derived forms

acclamatory (əˈklæmətərɪ , -trɪ)

adjective

Word Frequency

acclamation in American English

(ˌækləˈmeɪʃən )

noun

1.

an acclaiming or being acclaimed

2.

loud applause or strong approval

3.

a vote by voice; esp., an enthusiastic approving vote without an actual count

elected by acclamation

Derived forms

acclamatory (acˈclamaˌtory) (əˈklæməˌtɔri )

adjective

Word Frequency

acclamation

(ækləmeɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

Acclamation is a noisy or enthusiastic expression of approval for someone or something.

[formal]

The news was greeted with considerable popular acclamation.

2. uncountable noun

If someone is chosen or elected by acclamation, they are elected without a written vote.

[formal]

At first it looked like I was going to win by acclamation.

More Synonyms of acclamation

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclamation in British English

(ˌækləˈmeɪʃən )

noun

1.

an enthusiastic reception or exhibition of welcome, approval, etc

2.

an expression of approval by a meeting or gathering through shouts or applause

3. Canadian

an instance of electing or being elected without opposition

her acclamation is being publicly questioned

4. by acclamation

Derived forms

acclamatory (əˈklæmətərɪ , -trɪ)

adjective

Word Frequency

acclamation in American English

(ˌækləˈmeɪʃən )

noun

1.

an acclaiming or being acclaimed

2.

loud applause or strong approval

3.

a vote by voice; esp., an enthusiastic approving vote without an actual count

elected by acclamation

Derived forms

acclamatory (acˈclamaˌtory) (əˈklæməˌtɔri )

adjective

Word Frequency

acclamation

(ækləmeɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

Acclamation is a noisy or enthusiastic expression of approval for someone or something.

[formal]

The news was greeted with considerable popular acclamation.

2. uncountable noun

If someone is chosen or elected by acclamation, they are elected without a written vote.

[formal]

At first it looked like I was going to win by acclamation.

More Synonyms of acclamation

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclamation in British English

(ˌækləˈmeɪʃən )

noun

1.

an enthusiastic reception or exhibition of welcome, approval, etc

2.

an expression of approval by a meeting or gathering through shouts or applause

3. Canadian

an instance of electing or being elected without opposition

her acclamation is being publicly questioned

4. by acclamation

Derived forms

acclamatory (əˈklæmətərɪ , -trɪ)

adjective

Word Frequency

acclamation in American English

(ˌækləˈmeɪʃən )

noun

1.

an acclaiming or being acclaimed

2.

loud applause or strong approval

3.

a vote by voice; esp., an enthusiastic approving vote without an actual count

elected by acclamation

Derived forms

acclamatory (acˈclamaˌtory) (əˈklæməˌtɔri )

adjective

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

acclimate

(æklɪmeɪt , əklaɪmɪt )

Word forms: acclimates, acclimating, acclimated

transitive verb/intransitive verb

When you acclimate or are acclimated to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[US]

I help them acclimate to living in the U.S.

I hadn't had any time to acclimate myself.

It does take time to acclimate, especially for guys who haven't grown up in an urban environment.

The animals have become acclimated to the presence of humans.

acclimation (æklɪmeɪʃən ) uncountable noun

...gradual acclimation to strenuous exercise.

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acclimate in American English

(ˈækləˌmeɪt ; əˈklaɪmət )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈaccliˌmated or ˈaccliˌmating

to accustom or become accustomed to a different climate, environment, or circumstances, as by physiological or psychological changes

Derived forms

acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

Word origin

Fr acclimater: see ad- & climate

acclimate

(æklɪmeɪt , əklaɪmɪt )

Word forms: acclimates, acclimating, acclimated

transitive verb/intransitive verb

When you acclimate or are acclimated to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[US]

I help them acclimate to living in the U.S.

I hadn't had any time to acclimate myself.

It does take time to acclimate, especially for guys who haven't grown up in an urban environment.

The animals have become acclimated to the presence of humans.

acclimation (æklɪmeɪʃən ) uncountable noun

...gradual acclimation to strenuous exercise.

You may also like

acclimate in American English

(ˈækləˌmeɪt ; əˈklaɪmət )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈaccliˌmated or ˈaccliˌmating

to accustom or become accustomed to a different climate, environment, or circumstances, as by physiological or psychological changes

Derived forms

acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

Word origin

Fr acclimater: see ad- & climate

acclimate

(æklɪmeɪt , əklaɪmɪt )

Word forms: acclimates, acclimating, acclimated

transitive verb/intransitive verb

When you acclimate or are acclimated to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[US]

I help them acclimate to living in the U.S.

I hadn't had any time to acclimate myself.

It does take time to acclimate, especially for guys who haven't grown up in an urban environment.

The animals have become acclimated to the presence of humans.

acclimation (æklɪmeɪʃən ) uncountable noun

...gradual acclimation to strenuous exercise.

You may also like

acclimate in American English

(ˈækləˌmeɪt ; əˈklaɪmət )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈaccliˌmated or ˈaccliˌmating

to accustom or become accustomed to a different climate, environment, or circumstances, as by physiological or psychological changes

Derived forms

acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

Word origin

Fr acclimater: see ad- & climate

acclimate

(æklɪmeɪt , əklaɪmɪt )

Word forms: acclimates, acclimating, acclimated

transitive verb/intransitive verb

When you acclimate or are acclimated to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[US]

I help them acclimate to living in the U.S.

I hadn't had any time to acclimate myself.

It does take time to acclimate, especially for guys who haven't grown up in an urban environment.

The animals have become acclimated to the presence of humans.

acclimation (æklɪmeɪʃən ) uncountable noun

...gradual acclimation to strenuous exercise.

You may also like

acclimate in American English

(ˈækləˌmeɪt ; əˈklaɪmət )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈaccliˌmated or ˈaccliˌmating

to accustom or become accustomed to a different climate, environment, or circumstances, as by physiological or psychological changes

Derived forms

acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

Word origin

Fr acclimater: see ad- & climate

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize

(əklaɪmətaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense acclimatizes , present participle acclimatizing , past tense, past participle acclimatized regional note: in BRIT, also use acclimatise

verb

When you acclimatize or are acclimatized to a new situation, place, or climate, you become used to it.

[formal]

The athletes are acclimatising to the heat by staying in Monte Carlo. [VERB + to]

This year he has left for St Louis early to acclimatise himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]

They have been travelling for two days and will need some time to acclimatise. [VERB]

Synonyms: adapt, prepare, adjust, accommodate More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatization (əklaɪmətaɪzeɪʃən , US -tɪz-) uncountable noun

Acclimatization to higher altitudes may take several weeks. [+ to]

Synonyms: adaptation, accommodation, adjustment, naturalization More Synonyms of acclimatize

acclimatized adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

It took her a while to get acclimatized to her new surroundings. [+ to]

Synonyms: adapted, used, seasoned, adjusted More Synonyms of acclimatize

Video: pronunciation of
acclimatize

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclimatize in British English

or acclimatise (əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ) or acclimate (əˈklaɪmeɪt , ˈæklɪˌmeɪt )

verb

to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment

Derived forms

acclimatizable (acˈclimaˌtizable) or acclimatisable (acˈclimaˌtisable) or acclimatable (acˈclimatable)

adjective

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation) or acclimatisation (acˌclimatiˈsation) or acclimation (ˌaccliˈmation)

noun

acclimatizer (acˈclimaˌtizer) or acclimatiser (acˈclimaˌtiser)

noun

Word Frequency

acclimatize in American English

(əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz )

verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈclimaˌtized or acˈclimaˌtizing

Derived forms

acclimatization (acˌclimatiˈzation)

noun

Word Frequency

acclivity in British English

(əˈklɪvɪtɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ties

an upward slope, esp of the ground

Compare declivity

Derived forms

acclivitous (acˈclivitous) or acclivous (əˈklaɪvəs )

adjective

Word origin

C17: from Latin acclīvitās, from acclīvis sloping up, steep

You may also like

Word Frequency

acclivity in American English

(əˈklɪvəti )

nounWord forms: plural acˈclivities

an upward slope of ground

accolade

(ækəleɪd )

Word forms: plural accolades

countable noun

If someone is given an accolade, something is done or said about them which shows how much people admire them.

[formal]

The Nobel prize has become the ultimate accolade in the sciences.

Synonyms: honour, award, recognition, tribute More Synonyms of accolade

More Synonyms of accolade

Video: pronunciation of
accolade

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'accolade'

brace1 (sense 13) brace1 (sense 13b)

Word Frequency

accolade in British English

(ˈækəˌleɪd , ˌækəˈleɪd )

noun

1.

strong praise or approval; acclaim

2.

an award or honour

3.

the ceremonial gesture used to confer knighthood, originally an embrace, now a touch on the shoulder with a sword

4. a rare word for brace (sense 7)

5. architecture

a curved ornamental moulding, esp one having the shape of an ogee arch

Word origin

C17: via French and Italian from Vulgar Latin accollāre (unattested) to hug; related to Latin collum neck

Word Frequency

accolade in American English

(ˈækəˌleɪd ; ˌ ækəˈleɪd )

noun

1.

an embrace formerly used in conferring knighthood

2.

a touch on the shoulder with the flat side of a sword, now used in conferring knighthood

3.

a.

anything done or given as a sign of great respect, approval, appreciation, etc.

b. [usually pl.]

words of praise

4. Music

Word origin

Fr < Prov acolada < VL *accolare, to embrace < L ad, to + collum, neck: see wheel

Word Frequency

accolade

(ækəleɪd )

Word forms: plural accolades

countable noun

If someone is given an accolade, something is done or said about them which shows how much people admire them.

[formal]

The Nobel prize has become the ultimate accolade in the sciences.

Synonyms: honour, award, recognition, tribute More Synonyms of accolade

More Synonyms of accolade

Video: pronunciation of
accolade

You may also like

'accolade'

brace1 (sense 13) brace1 (sense 13b)

Word Frequency

accolade in British English

(ˈækəˌleɪd , ˌækəˈleɪd )

noun

1.

strong praise or approval; acclaim

2.

an award or honour

3.

the ceremonial gesture used to confer knighthood, originally an embrace, now a touch on the shoulder with a sword

4. a rare word for brace (sense 7)

5. architecture

a curved ornamental moulding, esp one having the shape of an ogee arch

Word origin

C17: via French and Italian from Vulgar Latin accollāre (unattested) to hug; related to Latin collum neck

Word Frequency

accolade in American English

(ˈækəˌleɪd ; ˌ ækəˈleɪd )

noun

1.

an embrace formerly used in conferring knighthood

2.

a touch on the shoulder with the flat side of a sword, now used in conferring knighthood

3.

a.

anything done or given as a sign of great respect, approval, appreciation, etc.

b. [usually pl.]

words of praise

4. Music

Word origin

Fr < Prov acolada < VL *accolare, to embrace < L ad, to + collum, neck: see wheel

Word Frequency

accommodate

(əkɒmədeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accommodates , present participle accommodating , past tense, past participle accommodated

1. verb [no cont]

If a building or space can accommodate someone or something, it has enough room for them.

The school in Poldown was not big enough to accommodate all the children. [VERB noun]

Floors are flat where possible and doors and corridors can accommodate wheelchairs. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: hold, take, seat, contain More Synonyms of accommodate

2. verb

To accommodate someone means to provide them with a place to live or stay.

...a hotel built to accommodate guests for the wedding of King Alfonso. [VERB noun]

Students are accommodated in homes nearby. [be VERB-ed preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: house, put up, take in, lodge More Synonyms of accommodate

3. verb

If something is planned or changed to accommodate a particular situation, it is planned or changed so that it takes this situation into account.

[formal]

The roads are built to accommodate gradual temperature changes. [VERB noun]

The way that American history is taught may change in order to accommodate some more of those cultures. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you do something to accommodate someone, you do it with the main purpose of pleasing or satisfying them.

He has never put an arm around his wife to accommodate photographers. [VERB noun]

Efforts have been made to accommodate the needs of all users. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: help, support, aid, encourage More Synonyms of accommodate

5. verb

If you accommodate to something new, you change your behaviour or ideas so that you are able to deal with it.

[formal]

Some animal and plant species cannot accommodate to the rapidly changing conditions. [VERB to noun]

She walked slowly to accommodate herself to his pace. [V pron-refl to n]

Synonyms: adapt, match, fit, fashion More Synonyms of accommodate

More Synonyms of accommodate

Video: pronunciation of
accommodate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accommodate in British English

(əˈkɒməˌdeɪt )

verb

1. (transitive)

to supply or provide, esp with lodging or board and lodging

2. (transitive)

to oblige or do a favour for

3.

to adjust or become adjusted; adapt

4. (transitive)

to bring into harmony; reconcile

5. (transitive)

to allow room for; contain

6. (transitive)

to lend money to, esp on a temporary basis until a formal loan has been arranged

Derived forms

accommodative (acˈcommoˌdative)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accommodāre to make fit, from ad- to + commodus having the proper measure

Word Frequency

accommodate in American English

(əˈkɑməˌdeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcommoˌdated or acˈcommoˌdating

1.

to make fit; adjust; adapt

to accommodate oneself to changes

2.

to reconcile ( differences)

3.

to help by supplying (with something)

4.

to do a service or favor for

5.

to have space for

a table to accommodate six diners

6.

to provide lodging for

verb intransitive

7.

to become adjusted, as the lens of the eye in focusing on objects at various distances

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈdapt, conˈtain

Derived forms

accommodative (acˈcommoˌdative)

adjective

accommodator (acˈcommoˌdator)

noun

Word origin

< L accommodatus, pp. of accommodare < ad-, to + commodare, to fit < commodus: see commode

Word Frequency

accommodate

(əkɒmədeɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accommodates , present participle accommodating , past tense, past participle accommodated

1. verb [no cont]

If a building or space can accommodate someone or something, it has enough room for them.

The school in Poldown was not big enough to accommodate all the children. [VERB noun]

Floors are flat where possible and doors and corridors can accommodate wheelchairs. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: hold, take, seat, contain More Synonyms of accommodate

2. verb

To accommodate someone means to provide them with a place to live or stay.

...a hotel built to accommodate guests for the wedding of King Alfonso. [VERB noun]

Students are accommodated in homes nearby. [be VERB-ed preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: house, put up, take in, lodge More Synonyms of accommodate

3. verb

If something is planned or changed to accommodate a particular situation, it is planned or changed so that it takes this situation into account.

[formal]

The roads are built to accommodate gradual temperature changes. [VERB noun]

The way that American history is taught may change in order to accommodate some more of those cultures. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you do something to accommodate someone, you do it with the main purpose of pleasing or satisfying them.

He has never put an arm around his wife to accommodate photographers. [VERB noun]

Efforts have been made to accommodate the needs of all users. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: help, support, aid, encourage More Synonyms of accommodate

5. verb

If you accommodate to something new, you change your behaviour or ideas so that you are able to deal with it.

[formal]

Some animal and plant species cannot accommodate to the rapidly changing conditions. [VERB to noun]

She walked slowly to accommodate herself to his pace. [V pron-refl to n]

Synonyms: adapt, match, fit, fashion More Synonyms of accommodate

More Synonyms of accommodate

Video: pronunciation of
accommodate

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Word Frequency

accommodate in British English

(əˈkɒməˌdeɪt )

verb

1. (transitive)

to supply or provide, esp with lodging or board and lodging

2. (transitive)

to oblige or do a favour for

3.

to adjust or become adjusted; adapt

4. (transitive)

to bring into harmony; reconcile

5. (transitive)

to allow room for; contain

6. (transitive)

to lend money to, esp on a temporary basis until a formal loan has been arranged

Derived forms

accommodative (acˈcommoˌdative)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accommodāre to make fit, from ad- to + commodus having the proper measure

Word Frequency

accommodate in American English

(əˈkɑməˌdeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcommoˌdated or acˈcommoˌdating

1.

to make fit; adjust; adapt

to accommodate oneself to changes

2.

to reconcile ( differences)

3.

to help by supplying (with something)

4.

to do a service or favor for

5.

to have space for

a table to accommodate six diners

6.

to provide lodging for

verb intransitive

7.

to become adjusted, as the lens of the eye in focusing on objects at various distances

SIMILAR WORDS: aˈdapt, conˈtain

Derived forms

accommodative (acˈcommoˌdative)

adjective

accommodator (acˈcommoˌdator)

noun

Word origin

< L accommodatus, pp. of accommodare < ad-, to + commodare, to fit < commodus: see commode

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerando in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrændəʊ ) music

adjective, adverb

1.

(to be performed) with increasing speed

nounWord forms: plural -dos

2.

an increase in speed

Word origin

Italian

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Word Frequency

accelerando in American English

(ɑˌtʃɛləˈrɑnˌdoʊ )

adjective, adverb

Musical Direction

with gradually quickening tempo

Word origin

It, prp. of accelerare < L: see accelerate

Word Frequency

accelerant in British English

(ækˈsɛlərənt )

noun

chemistry another name for accelerator (sense 3)

Word origin

C20: from Latin from accelerāns, present participle of accelerāre to go faster

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerant in American English

(ækˈsɛlərənt ; əkˈsɛlərənt )

adjective

1.

noun

2.

something that increases the speed of a process

3. Chemistry; Obsolete

Word origin

L accelerans, prp. of accelerare: see accelerate

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

acceleration

(ækseləreɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster.

He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. [+ of/in]

...the sharp acceleration in job losses. [+ of/in]

Synonyms: hastening, hurrying, stepping up [informal], expedition More Synonyms of acceleration

2. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

Synonyms: speeding up, gathering speed, opening up, increasing speed More Synonyms of acceleration

3. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases.

[technical]

Video: pronunciation of
acceleration

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Word Frequency

acceleration in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated

2.

the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity

Symbol: a

3.

the power to accelerate

Symbol: a

Word Frequency

acceleration in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən ; əkˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; əkˌsɛləreɪʃɛn )

noun

1.

an accelerating or being accelerated

2.

the rate of change in the velocity of a moving body

abbrev. a

Word Frequency

acceleration in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛləreɪʃən)

noun

(Mechanical engineering: General)

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

The vehicle has an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The acceleration due to gravity, g, is 9.81ms-2.

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

Word Frequency

acceleration

(ækseləreɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster.

He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. [+ of/in]

...the sharp acceleration in job losses. [+ of/in]

Synonyms: hastening, hurrying, stepping up [informal], expedition More Synonyms of acceleration

2. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

Synonyms: speeding up, gathering speed, opening up, increasing speed More Synonyms of acceleration

3. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases.

[technical]

Video: pronunciation of
acceleration

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Word Frequency

acceleration in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated

2.

the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity

Symbol: a

3.

the power to accelerate

Symbol: a

Word Frequency

acceleration in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən ; əkˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; əkˌsɛləreɪʃɛn )

noun

1.

an accelerating or being accelerated

2.

the rate of change in the velocity of a moving body

abbrev. a

Word Frequency

acceleration in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛləreɪʃən)

noun

(Mechanical engineering: General)

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

The vehicle has an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The acceleration due to gravity, g, is 9.81ms-2.

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛlərətɪv ; əkˈsɛlərətɪv )

adjective

of, causing, or increasing acceleration

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Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈseləˌreitɪv, -ərətɪv)

adjective

tending to accelerate; increasing the velocity of

Also: acceleratory (ækˈselərəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

Word origin

[1745–55; accelerate + -ive]This word is first recorded in the period 1745–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: artistic, compressor, pompadour, symmetrical, vignette-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

accelerator

(ækseləreɪtəʳ )

Word forms: plural accelerators

countable noun

The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator.

Video: pronunciation of
accelerator

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Word Frequency

accelerator in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪtə )

noun

1.

a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

2. Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics

a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

3. chemistry

a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4.

(in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. anatomy

a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

Word Frequency

accelerator in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtər ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; əkˈsɛləˌreɪtər )

noun

1.

a person or thing that accelerates or increases the speed of something

; specif.,

a.

a device, such as the foot throttle of an automobile, for increasing the speed of a machine

b.

a nerve or muscle that speeds up a body function

2. Chemistry

a substance that speeds up a reaction

3. Nuclear Physics

a betatron, cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or similar apparatus that accelerates charged particles to high energies: accelerators are used for experimental purposes

4. Photography

a chemical that speeds up developing

Word Frequency

accelerator in Automotive Engineering

(æksɛləreɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerators

noun

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)

The accelerator in a vehicle is the pedal that controls the flow of gasoline to the engine, which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator to slow down.

She put her foot down on the accelerator when the lights changed to green.

Student drivers need to be able to keep the proper balance between clutch and accelerator.

Word Frequency

accelerator

(ækseləreɪtəʳ )

Word forms: plural accelerators

countable noun

The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator.

Video: pronunciation of
accelerator

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Word Frequency

accelerator in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪtə )

noun

1.

a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

2. Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics

a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

3. chemistry

a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4.

(in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. anatomy

a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

Word Frequency

accelerator in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtər ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; əkˈsɛləˌreɪtər )

noun

1.

a person or thing that accelerates or increases the speed of something

; specif.,

a.

a device, such as the foot throttle of an automobile, for increasing the speed of a machine

b.

a nerve or muscle that speeds up a body function

2. Chemistry

a substance that speeds up a reaction

3. Nuclear Physics

a betatron, cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or similar apparatus that accelerates charged particles to high energies: accelerators are used for experimental purposes

4. Photography

a chemical that speeds up developing

Word Frequency

accelerator in Automotive Engineering

(æksɛləreɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerators

noun

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)

The accelerator in a vehicle is the pedal that controls the flow of gasoline to the engine, which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator to slow down.

She put her foot down on the accelerator when the lights changed to green.

Student drivers need to be able to keep the proper balance between clutch and accelerator.

Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛlərətɪv ; əkˈsɛlərətɪv )

adjective

of, causing, or increasing acceleration

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Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈseləˌreitɪv, -ərətɪv)

adjective

tending to accelerate; increasing the velocity of

Also: acceleratory (ækˈselərəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

Word origin

[1745–55; accelerate + -ive]This word is first recorded in the period 1745–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: artistic, compressor, pompadour, symmetrical, vignette-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

accelerometer in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

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Word Frequency

accelerometer in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; ækˌsɛləˈrɑmətər ; əkˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; əkˌsɛləˈrɑmətər )

US

noun

a mechanical or electromechanical instrument for measuring acceleration, as of an aircraft, or for detecting vibrations, as in machinery

Word origin

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Accelerometers measure vibrations of the machine.

Vibratory motion is often sensed by using an accelerometer attached to the vibrating object.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Word builder-meterThe suffix -meter is often used for instruments that measure things.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Electrical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Electrical engineering: Instrumentation, measuring, and testing, Devices)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

When a low-level accelerometer experiences a large, high-frequency, input acceleration beyond its dynamic operating range, the control circuit's prefilter amplification can saturate.

Direct measurement of acceleration is made using an accelerometer, which makes use of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

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Word Frequency

accelerometer in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; ækˌsɛləˈrɑmətər ; əkˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; əkˌsɛləˈrɑmətər )

US

noun

a mechanical or electromechanical instrument for measuring acceleration, as of an aircraft, or for detecting vibrations, as in machinery

Word origin

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Accelerometers measure vibrations of the machine.

Vibratory motion is often sensed by using an accelerometer attached to the vibrating object.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Word builder-meterThe suffix -meter is often used for instruments that measure things.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Electrical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Electrical engineering: Instrumentation, measuring, and testing, Devices)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

When a low-level accelerometer experiences a large, high-frequency, input acceleration beyond its dynamic operating range, the control circuit's prefilter amplification can saturate.

Direct measurement of acceleration is made using an accelerometer, which makes use of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

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Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accented

(æksentɪd )

1. adjective

Language or speech that is accented is spoken with a particular accent.

I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English.

'Don't do that,' he says in his soft, accented voice.

2. See also accent

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Word Frequency

accented in British English

(ˈæksɛntɪd)

adjective

1.

characterized by the particular mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English.

'Don't do that,' he says in his soft, accented voice.

Her French was slurred and oddly accented.

His English was heavily accented.

2. linguistics

marked by an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

The last syllable is not accented.

You place the plastic sheets over your keyboard to indicate where various accented characters should be.

3.

given particular emphasis or stress

The humorous side of a friendship is accented.

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

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Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

You may also like

Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accentual in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmic

2. prosody

of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables

Compare quantitative (sense 3)

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

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Word Frequency

accentual in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuəl ; əkˈsɛntʃuəl )

adjective

1.

of or having to do with accent

2.

having rhythm based on stress rather than on the number of syllables or length of sounds, as some poetry

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

Word origin

< L accentus (see accent) + -al

Word Frequency

accentual in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmic

2. prosody

of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables

Compare quantitative (sense 3)

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

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Word Frequency

accentual in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuəl ; əkˈsɛntʃuəl )

adjective

1.

of or having to do with accent

2.

having rhythm based on stress rather than on the number of syllables or length of sounds, as some poetry

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

Word origin

< L accentus (see accent) + -al

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accept

(æksept )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accepts , present participle accepting , past tense, past participle accepted

1. verb

If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.

Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage. [VERB noun]

Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted by jumble sale organisers. [VERB noun]

All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted. [VERB]

Synonyms: receive, take, gain, pick up More Synonyms of accept

2. verb

If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid.

I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science. [VERB that]

I don't think they would accept that view. [VERB noun]

He did not accept this reply as valid. [VERB noun + as]

...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: acknowledge, believe, allow, admit More Synonyms of accept

3. verb

If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen.

Accepting the report's proposals would mean a change in church law. [VERB noun]

The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed.

Some people can accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good. [VERB noun]

Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life. [VERB noun + as]

I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility. [VERB that]

Synonyms: stand, take, experience, suffer More Synonyms of accept

5. verb

If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it.

We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising. [VERB noun]

Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card. [be VERB-ed]

Proof of postage will not be accepted as proof of receipt. [be V-ed as n]

[Also V n as n/adj]

6. verb

If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered.

All-male groups will not be accepted. [be VERB-ed]

...incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants. [VERB noun + as]

7. verb

If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do.

My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me. [VERB noun]

Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner. [VERB noun + as]

Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: welcome, receive, greet, embrace More Synonyms of accept

8. verb

If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it.

The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. [VERB noun]

9. verb

If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say.

The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership. [VERB noun]

Don't automatically accept the solicitor recommended by the broker. [VERB noun]

10. verb

If someone's body accepts a transplanted organ, the organ becomes part of the body and starts to function normally.

...drugs which will fool the body into accepting transplants. [VERB noun]

11. verb

If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it.

The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins. [VERB noun]

12. See also accepted

Video: pronunciation of
accept

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Word Frequency

accept in British English

(əkˈsɛpt )

verb (mainly tr)

1.

to take or receive (something offered)

2.

to give an affirmative reply to

to accept an invitation

3.

to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc, of

she accepted office

4.

to tolerate or accommodate oneself to

5.

to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc)

I cannot accept your argument

6. (may take a clause as object)

to be willing to grant or believe

you must accept that he lied

7.

to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc

8. business

to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc), esp by signing

9.

to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid

10.

to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc)

11. (intransitive; sometimes foll by of) archaic

to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin acceptāre, from ad- to + capere to take

Word Frequency

accept in American English

(ækˈsɛpt ; əkˈsɛpt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (what is offered or given); receive, esp. willingly

2.

to receive favorably; approve

to accept a theory

3.

to submit to; be resigned to

he had to accept defeat

4.

to believe in

5.

to understand as having a certain meaning

6.

to respond to in the affirmative

to accept an invitation

7.

to admit as a student, member, etc.

8.

to agree to take the responsibilities of (a job, office, etc.)

9.

to receive (a committee report) as satisfactory according to parliamentary procedure

10. Business

to agree, as by a signed promise, to pay

11. Law

to receive with intent to retain and adopt

verb intransitive

12.

to accept something offered

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈceive

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

ME accepten < OFr accepter < L acceptare < pp. stem of accipere < ad-, to + capere, to take: see have

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptance

(ækseptəns )

Word forms: plural acceptances

1. variable noun [oft poss NOUN]

Acceptance of an offer or a proposal is the act of saying yes to it or agreeing to it.

The Party is being degraded by its acceptance of secret donations. [+ of]

I sent them more than 6,000 cartoons before I had my one and only acceptance by them.

Several shareholders have withdrawn earlier acceptances of the offer.

...a letter of acceptance.

...his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Synonyms: accepting, taking, receiving, obtaining More Synonyms of acceptance

2. uncountable noun

If there is acceptance of an idea, most people believe or agree that it is true.

...a theory that is steadily gaining acceptance.

There was a general acceptance that the defence budget would shrink.

Synonyms: acknowledgement, agreement, belief, approval More Synonyms of acceptance

3. uncountable noun

Your acceptance of a situation, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, is an attitude or feeling that you cannot change it and that you must get used to it.

Their acceptance of the system will probably determine its long-term fate.

...his calm acceptance of whatever comes his way. [+ of]

4. uncountable noun [usually with supplement]

If there is acceptance of a new product, people start to like it and get used to it.

Customer acceptance of this technology has been outstanding.

Avant-garde music to this day has not found general public acceptance.

Synonyms: approval, following, support, embracing More Synonyms of acceptance

5. uncountable noun

Acceptance of someone into a group means beginning to think of them as part of the group and to act in a friendly way towards them.

...an effort to ensure that people with disabilities achieve real acceptance.

Synonyms: recognition, appreciation, acknowledgment More Synonyms of acceptance

More Synonyms of acceptance

Video: pronunciation of
acceptance

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Word Frequency

acceptance in British English

(əkˈsɛptəns )

noun

1.

the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable

2.

3. (often foll by of)

belief (in) or assent (to)

4. business

a.

a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc

b.

the document so accepted

Compare bank acceptance

5. (plural) Australian and New Zealand

a list of horses accepted as starters in a race

6. contract law

words or conduct by which a person signifies his or her assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement

Word Frequency

acceptance in American English

(ækˈsɛptəns ; əkˈsɛptəns )

noun

1.

an accepting or being accepted

2.

approving reception; approval; acceptability

3.

belief in; assent

4.

a draft or bill of exchange that has been accepted for payment

5. Law

an express or implied act by which one accepts an obligation, offer, contract, etc. together with all its legal consequences

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

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Word Frequency

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

Word Frequency

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

accede

(æksiːd )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accedes , present participle acceding , past tense, past participle acceded

1. verb

If you accede to someone's request, you do what they ask.

[formal]

Britain would not accede to France's request. [VERB + to]

I never understood why he didn't just accede to our demands at the outset. [VERB to noun]

2. verb

When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.

[formal]

...when Henry VIII acceded to the throne. [VERB to noun]

You may also like

accede in British English

(ækˈsiːd )

verb (intransitive; usually foll by to)

1.

to assent or give one's consent; agree

2.

to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc)

the prince acceded to the throne

3. international law

to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc), as by signing a treaty

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

C15: from Latin accēdere to approach, agree, from ad- to + cēdere to go, yield

accede in American English

(ækˈsid )

verb intransitiveWord forms: acˈceded or acˈceding

1.

to enter upon the duties (of an office); attain (to)

2.

to give assent; give in; agree (to)

3.

to become a party (to a treaty) between nations

SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsent

Derived forms

accedence (acˈcedence)

noun

acceder (acˈceder)

noun

Word origin

L accedere < ad-, to + cedere, to go: see cede

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerando in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrændəʊ ) music

adjective, adverb

1.

(to be performed) with increasing speed

nounWord forms: plural -dos

2.

an increase in speed

Word origin

Italian

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Word Frequency

accelerando in American English

(ɑˌtʃɛləˈrɑnˌdoʊ )

adjective, adverb

Musical Direction

with gradually quickening tempo

Word origin

It, prp. of accelerare < L: see accelerate

Word Frequency

accelerant in British English

(ækˈsɛlərənt )

noun

chemistry another name for accelerator (sense 3)

Word origin

C20: from Latin from accelerāns, present participle of accelerāre to go faster

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Word Frequency

accelerant in American English

(ækˈsɛlərənt ; əkˈsɛlərənt )

adjective

1.

noun

2.

something that increases the speed of a process

3. Chemistry; Obsolete

Word origin

L accelerans, prp. of accelerare: see accelerate

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

accelerate

(ækseləreɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accelerates , present participle accelerating , past tense, past participle accelerated

1. verb

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster.

Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB]

The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote More Synonyms of accelerate

2. verb

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster.

Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB]

She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken More Synonyms of accelerate

Video: pronunciation of
accelerate

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Word Frequency

accelerate in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪt )

verb

1.

to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up

2. (transitive)

to cause to happen sooner than expected

3. (transitive)

to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived forms

accelerable (acˈcelerable)

adjective

accelerative (acˈcelerative) or acceleratory (acˈceleratory)

adjective

Word origin

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Word Frequency

accelerate in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪt ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪt ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcelerˌated or acˈcelerˌating

1.

to increase the speed of

2.

to cause to develop or progress more quickly

3. Physics

to cause a change in the velocity of (a moving body)

4.

to cause to happen sooner

verb intransitive

5.

to go, progress, or develop faster

Word origin

< L acceleratus, pp. of accelerare < ad-, to + celerare, to hasten < celer, swift < IE base *kel-, to drive > OE haldan, hold1

Word Frequency

acceleration

(ækseləreɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster.

He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. [+ of/in]

...the sharp acceleration in job losses. [+ of/in]

Synonyms: hastening, hurrying, stepping up [informal], expedition More Synonyms of acceleration

2. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

Synonyms: speeding up, gathering speed, opening up, increasing speed More Synonyms of acceleration

3. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases.

[technical]

Video: pronunciation of
acceleration

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Word Frequency

acceleration in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated

2.

the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity

Symbol: a

3.

the power to accelerate

Symbol: a

Word Frequency

acceleration in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən ; əkˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; əkˌsɛləreɪʃɛn )

noun

1.

an accelerating or being accelerated

2.

the rate of change in the velocity of a moving body

abbrev. a

Word Frequency

acceleration in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛləreɪʃən)

noun

(Mechanical engineering: General)

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

The vehicle has an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The acceleration due to gravity, g, is 9.81ms-2.

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

Word Frequency

acceleration

(ækseləreɪʃən )

1. uncountable noun

The acceleration of a process or change is the fact that it is getting faster and faster.

He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms. [+ of/in]

...the sharp acceleration in job losses. [+ of/in]

Synonyms: hastening, hurrying, stepping up [informal], expedition More Synonyms of acceleration

2. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which a car or other vehicle can increase its speed, often seen in terms of the time that it takes to reach a particular speed.

Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 5.7 seconds.

Synonyms: speeding up, gathering speed, opening up, increasing speed More Synonyms of acceleration

3. uncountable noun

Acceleration is the rate at which the speed of an object increases.

[technical]

Video: pronunciation of
acceleration

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Word Frequency

acceleration in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən )

noun

1.

the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated

2.

the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity

Symbol: a

3.

the power to accelerate

Symbol: a

Word Frequency

acceleration in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; ækˌsɛləˈreɪʃən ; əkˌsɛlərˈeɪʃən ; əkˌsɛləreɪʃɛn )

noun

1.

an accelerating or being accelerated

2.

the rate of change in the velocity of a moving body

abbrev. a

Word Frequency

acceleration in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛləreɪʃən)

noun

(Mechanical engineering: General)

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

The vehicle has an acceleration of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The acceleration due to gravity, g, is 9.81ms-2.

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes.

Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛlərətɪv ; əkˈsɛlərətɪv )

adjective

of, causing, or increasing acceleration

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Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈseləˌreitɪv, -ərətɪv)

adjective

tending to accelerate; increasing the velocity of

Also: acceleratory (ækˈselərəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

Word origin

[1745–55; accelerate + -ive]This word is first recorded in the period 1745–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: artistic, compressor, pompadour, symmetrical, vignette-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

accelerator

(ækseləreɪtəʳ )

Word forms: plural accelerators

countable noun

The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator.

Video: pronunciation of
accelerator

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Word Frequency

accelerator in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪtə )

noun

1.

a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

2. Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics

a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

3. chemistry

a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4.

(in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. anatomy

a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

Word Frequency

accelerator in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtər ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; əkˈsɛləˌreɪtər )

noun

1.

a person or thing that accelerates or increases the speed of something

; specif.,

a.

a device, such as the foot throttle of an automobile, for increasing the speed of a machine

b.

a nerve or muscle that speeds up a body function

2. Chemistry

a substance that speeds up a reaction

3. Nuclear Physics

a betatron, cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or similar apparatus that accelerates charged particles to high energies: accelerators are used for experimental purposes

4. Photography

a chemical that speeds up developing

Word Frequency

accelerator in Automotive Engineering

(æksɛləreɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerators

noun

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)

The accelerator in a vehicle is the pedal that controls the flow of gasoline to the engine, which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator to slow down.

She put her foot down on the accelerator when the lights changed to green.

Student drivers need to be able to keep the proper balance between clutch and accelerator.

Word Frequency

accelerator

(ækseləreɪtəʳ )

Word forms: plural accelerators

countable noun

The accelerator in a car or other vehicle is the pedal which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator.

Video: pronunciation of
accelerator

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Word Frequency

accelerator in British English

(ækˈsɛləˌreɪtə )

noun

1.

a device for increasing speed, esp a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle

2. Also called (not in technical usage): atom smasher physics

a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target

3. chemistry

a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber, the rate of development in photography, the rate of setting of synthetic resins, or the rate of setting of concrete; catalyst

4.

(in an economy) the relationship between the rate of change in output or sales and the consequent change in the level of investment

5. anatomy

a muscle or nerve that increases the rate of a function

Word Frequency

accelerator in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtər ; əkˈsɛlərˌeɪtər ; əkˈsɛləˌreɪtər )

noun

1.

a person or thing that accelerates or increases the speed of something

; specif.,

a.

a device, such as the foot throttle of an automobile, for increasing the speed of a machine

b.

a nerve or muscle that speeds up a body function

2. Chemistry

a substance that speeds up a reaction

3. Nuclear Physics

a betatron, cyclotron, synchrotron, linear accelerator, or similar apparatus that accelerates charged particles to high energies: accelerators are used for experimental purposes

4. Photography

a chemical that speeds up developing

Word Frequency

accelerator in Automotive Engineering

(æksɛləreɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerators

noun

(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Bodywork, controls, and accessories)

The accelerator in a vehicle is the pedal that controls the flow of gasoline to the engine, which you press with your foot in order to make the vehicle go faster.

He eased his foot off the accelerator to slow down.

She put her foot down on the accelerator when the lights changed to green.

Student drivers need to be able to keep the proper balance between clutch and accelerator.

Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈsɛlərˌeɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛləˌreɪtɪv ; ækˈsɛlərətɪv ; əkˈsɛlərətɪv )

adjective

of, causing, or increasing acceleration

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Word Frequency

accelerative in American English

(ækˈseləˌreitɪv, -ərətɪv)

adjective

tending to accelerate; increasing the velocity of

Also: acceleratory (ækˈselərəˌtɔri, -ˌtouri)

Word origin

[1745–55; accelerate + -ive]This word is first recorded in the period 1745–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: artistic, compressor, pompadour, symmetrical, vignette-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, destructive, detective, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

accelerometer in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

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Word Frequency

accelerometer in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; ækˌsɛləˈrɑmətər ; əkˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; əkˌsɛləˈrɑmətər )

US

noun

a mechanical or electromechanical instrument for measuring acceleration, as of an aircraft, or for detecting vibrations, as in machinery

Word origin

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Accelerometers measure vibrations of the machine.

Vibratory motion is often sensed by using an accelerometer attached to the vibrating object.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Word builder-meterThe suffix -meter is often used for instruments that measure things.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Electrical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Electrical engineering: Instrumentation, measuring, and testing, Devices)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

When a low-level accelerometer experiences a large, high-frequency, input acceleration beyond its dynamic operating range, the control circuit's prefilter amplification can saturate.

Direct measurement of acceleration is made using an accelerometer, which makes use of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in British English

(ækˌsɛləˈrɒmɪtə )

noun

an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp of an aircraft or rocket

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Word Frequency

accelerometer in American English

(ækˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; ækˌsɛləˈrɑmətər ; əkˌsɛlərˈɑmətər ; əkˌsɛləˈrɑmətər )

US

noun

a mechanical or electromechanical instrument for measuring acceleration, as of an aircraft, or for detecting vibrations, as in machinery

Word origin

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Mechanical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Mechanical engineering: Control, instrumentation and metrology)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Accelerometers measure vibrations of the machine.

Vibratory motion is often sensed by using an accelerometer attached to the vibrating object.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring the acceleration of a vibrating object.

Word builder-meterThe suffix -meter is often used for instruments that measure things.

Word Frequency

accelerometer in Electrical Engineering

(æksɛlərɒmɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) accelerometers

noun

(Electrical engineering: Instrumentation, measuring, and testing, Devices)

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

When a low-level accelerometer experiences a large, high-frequency, input acceleration beyond its dynamic operating range, the control circuit's prefilter amplification can saturate.

Direct measurement of acceleration is made using an accelerometer, which makes use of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

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Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accented

(æksentɪd )

1. adjective

Language or speech that is accented is spoken with a particular accent.

I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English.

'Don't do that,' he says in his soft, accented voice.

2. See also accent

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Word Frequency

accented in British English

(ˈæksɛntɪd)

adjective

1.

characterized by the particular mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

I spoke rather good, but heavily accented English.

'Don't do that,' he says in his soft, accented voice.

Her French was slurred and oddly accented.

His English was heavily accented.

2. linguistics

marked by an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

The last syllable is not accented.

You place the plastic sheets over your keyboard to indicate where various accented characters should be.

3.

given particular emphasis or stress

The humorous side of a friendship is accented.

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

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Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accent

(æksənt )

Word forms: plural accents

1. countable noun

Someone who speaks with a particular accent pronounces the words of a language in a distinctive way that shows which country, region, or social class they come from.

He had developed a slight American accent.

Synonyms: pronunciation, tone, articulation, inflection More Synonyms of accent

2. countable noun

An accent is a short line or other mark which is written above certain letters in some languages and which indicates the way those letters are pronounced.

3. singular noun

If you put the accent on a particular feature of something, you emphasize it or give it special importance.

He is putting the accent on military readiness. [+ on]

There is often a strong accent on material success.

Synonyms: emphasis, stress, importance, priority More Synonyms of accent

Video: pronunciation of
accent

You may also like

Word Frequency

accent in British English

noun (ˈæksənt )

1.

the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp one that betrays social or geographical origin

2.

the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp with regard to stress or pitch

3.

a mark (such as ˈ, ˌ, ´ or `) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp when such pronunciation is not usual, as in turnè d

4.

any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs

5.

(in some languages, such as Chinese) any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another

Compare tone (sense 7)

6.

rhythmic stress in verse or prose

7. music

a.

stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned

b.

the rhythmic pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar

See also syncopation

8. mathematics

either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (′), inches (″), minutes of arc (′), or seconds of arc (″)

9.

a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc

10.

particular attention or emphasis

an accent on learning

11.

a strongly contrasting detail

a blue rug with red accents

verb (ækˈsɛnt ) (transitive)

12.

to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc

13.

to lay particular emphasis or stress on

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accentus, from ad- to + cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek prosōidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable

Word Frequency

accent in American English

(ˈækˌsɛnt ; Chiefly British ˈæksənt ; for v., ˈækˌsɛnt ; ækˈsɛnt )

noun

1.

the emphasis (by stress, pitch, or both) given to a particular syllable or word when it is spoken

2.

a mark used in writing or printing to show the placing and kind of this emphasis, as in the primary (ˈ) and secondary (ˌ) accenting of English (acˈcelerˌator, ˌacaˈdemically, etc.)

3.

a mark used to distinguish between various sounds represented by the same letter

in French there are acute (´), grave (ˋ), and circumflex (^) accents

4.

the pitch contour of a phrase

5.

a.

a distinguishing regional or national manner of pronunciation

Irish accent, Southern accent

b.

a manner of articulating the sounds of another language that is influenced by the phonology of one's native language

speaking Russian with a heavy Midwestern American accent

6. [often pl.]

a voice modulation expressive of an emotion

accents of love

7. [pl.]; OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

speech; words; utterance

in accents mild

8.

a distinguishing style of expression

9.

a striking or prominent feature of any artistic composition

the classical accent of a pillar

10.

an object or detail that lends emphasis, as by contrast with that which surrounds it

11.

special emphasis or attention

to put the accent on highway construction

12.

a mark used with a number or letter, as in mathematics to indicate a variable (a), or in measurement of length (10′ 5″, ten feet five inches) or of time (3′ 16″, three minutes sixteen seconds)

13. Music

a.

emphasis or stress on a note or chord

b.

a mark or sign showing this

14. Music and Prosody

rhythmic stress or beat

verb transitive

15.

to pronounce (a syllable, word, or phrase) with special stress

16.

to mark with an accent

17.

to emphasize

Word origin

Fr < L accentus < ad-, to + cantus, pp. of canere, to sing: a L rendering of Gr prosōidia (see prosody), orig. referring to the pitch scheme of Gr verse

Word Frequency

accentual in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmic

2. prosody

of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables

Compare quantitative (sense 3)

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

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Word Frequency

accentual in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuəl ; əkˈsɛntʃuəl )

adjective

1.

of or having to do with accent

2.

having rhythm based on stress rather than on the number of syllables or length of sounds, as some poetry

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

Word origin

< L accentus (see accent) + -al

Word Frequency

accentual in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊəl )

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmic

2. prosody

of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables

Compare quantitative (sense 3)

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

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Word Frequency

accentual in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuəl ; əkˈsɛntʃuəl )

adjective

1.

of or having to do with accent

2.

having rhythm based on stress rather than on the number of syllables or length of sounds, as some poetry

Derived forms

accentually (acˈcentually)

adverb

Word origin

< L accentus (see accent) + -al

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

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Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accentuate

(æksentʃueɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accentuates , present participle accentuating , past tense, past participle accentuated

verb

To accentuate something means to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.

His shaven head accentuates his large round face. [VERB noun]

The whole air of menace was accentuated by the fact that he was so cordial and soft-voiced. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: emphasize, stress, highlight, accent More Synonyms of accentuate

You may also like

Word Frequency

accentuate in British English

(ækˈsɛntʃʊˌeɪt )

verb

(transitive)

to stress or emphasize

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word Frequency

accentuate in American English

(ækˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt ; əkˈsɛntʃuˌeɪt )

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcentuˌated or acˈcentuˌating

1.

to pronounce or mark with an accent or stress

2.

to emphasize; heighten the effect of

Derived forms

accentuation (acˌcentuˈation)

noun

Word origin

< ML accentuatus, pp. of accentuare < L accentus, accent

Word Frequency

accept

(æksept )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accepts , present participle accepting , past tense, past participle accepted

1. verb

If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.

Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage. [VERB noun]

Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted by jumble sale organisers. [VERB noun]

All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted. [VERB]

Synonyms: receive, take, gain, pick up More Synonyms of accept

2. verb

If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid.

I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science. [VERB that]

I don't think they would accept that view. [VERB noun]

He did not accept this reply as valid. [VERB noun + as]

...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: acknowledge, believe, allow, admit More Synonyms of accept

3. verb

If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen.

Accepting the report's proposals would mean a change in church law. [VERB noun]

The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed.

Some people can accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good. [VERB noun]

Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life. [VERB noun + as]

I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility. [VERB that]

Synonyms: stand, take, experience, suffer More Synonyms of accept

5. verb

If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it.

We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising. [VERB noun]

Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card. [be VERB-ed]

Proof of postage will not be accepted as proof of receipt. [be V-ed as n]

[Also V n as n/adj]

6. verb

If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered.

All-male groups will not be accepted. [be VERB-ed]

...incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants. [VERB noun + as]

7. verb

If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do.

My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me. [VERB noun]

Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner. [VERB noun + as]

Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: welcome, receive, greet, embrace More Synonyms of accept

8. verb

If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it.

The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. [VERB noun]

9. verb

If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say.

The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership. [VERB noun]

Don't automatically accept the solicitor recommended by the broker. [VERB noun]

10. verb

If someone's body accepts a transplanted organ, the organ becomes part of the body and starts to function normally.

...drugs which will fool the body into accepting transplants. [VERB noun]

11. verb

If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it.

The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins. [VERB noun]

12. See also accepted

Video: pronunciation of
accept

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Word Frequency

accept in British English

(əkˈsɛpt )

verb (mainly tr)

1.

to take or receive (something offered)

2.

to give an affirmative reply to

to accept an invitation

3.

to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc, of

she accepted office

4.

to tolerate or accommodate oneself to

5.

to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc)

I cannot accept your argument

6. (may take a clause as object)

to be willing to grant or believe

you must accept that he lied

7.

to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc

8. business

to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc), esp by signing

9.

to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid

10.

to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc)

11. (intransitive; sometimes foll by of) archaic

to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin acceptāre, from ad- to + capere to take

Word Frequency

accept in American English

(ækˈsɛpt ; əkˈsɛpt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (what is offered or given); receive, esp. willingly

2.

to receive favorably; approve

to accept a theory

3.

to submit to; be resigned to

he had to accept defeat

4.

to believe in

5.

to understand as having a certain meaning

6.

to respond to in the affirmative

to accept an invitation

7.

to admit as a student, member, etc.

8.

to agree to take the responsibilities of (a job, office, etc.)

9.

to receive (a committee report) as satisfactory according to parliamentary procedure

10. Business

to agree, as by a signed promise, to pay

11. Law

to receive with intent to retain and adopt

verb intransitive

12.

to accept something offered

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈceive

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

ME accepten < OFr accepter < L acceptare < pp. stem of accipere < ad-, to + capere, to take: see have

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable

(ækseptəbəl )

1. adjective

Acceptable activities and situations are those that most people approve of or consider to be normal.

Is it acceptable for fans to boo their own side? [+ for]

The air pollution exceeds most acceptable levels by 10 times or more.

acceptability (ækseptəbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...a greater acceptability of other accents. [+ of]

Synonyms: adequacy, fitness, suitability, propriety More Synonyms of acceptable

acceptably (ækseptəbli ) adverb

The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

2. adjective

If something is acceptable to someone, they agree to consider it, use it, or allow it to happen.

They are working together to produce a plan that will be acceptable to all of them. [+ to]

They recently failed to negotiate a mutually acceptable new contract.

3. adjective

If you describe something as acceptable, you mean that it is good enough or fairly good.

On the far side of the street was a restaurant that looked acceptable.

We've made an acceptable start, but it could've been better.

acceptably adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]

...a method that provides an acceptably accurate solution to a problem.

These exercises will result in your being able to hit the ball quite acceptably.

Synonyms: pleasantly, delightfully, agreeably, pleasingly More Synonyms of acceptable

Synonyms: adequately, satisfactorily, tolerably, passably More Synonyms of acceptable

Video: pronunciation of
acceptable

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Word Frequency

acceptable in British English

(əkˈsɛptəbəl )

adjective

1.

2.

3.

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility) or acceptableness (acˈceptableness)

noun

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptable in American English

(ækˈsɛptəbəl ; əkˈsɛpttəbəl )

adjective

1.

worth accepting; satisfactory or, sometimes, merely adequate

2.

tolerable; bearable

Derived forms

acceptability (acˌceptaˈbility)

noun or acˈceptableness

acceptably (acˈceptably)

adverb

Word Frequency

acceptance

(ækseptəns )

Word forms: plural acceptances

1. variable noun [oft poss NOUN]

Acceptance of an offer or a proposal is the act of saying yes to it or agreeing to it.

The Party is being degraded by its acceptance of secret donations. [+ of]

I sent them more than 6,000 cartoons before I had my one and only acceptance by them.

Several shareholders have withdrawn earlier acceptances of the offer.

...a letter of acceptance.

...his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Synonyms: accepting, taking, receiving, obtaining More Synonyms of acceptance

2. uncountable noun

If there is acceptance of an idea, most people believe or agree that it is true.

...a theory that is steadily gaining acceptance.

There was a general acceptance that the defence budget would shrink.

Synonyms: acknowledgement, agreement, belief, approval More Synonyms of acceptance

3. uncountable noun

Your acceptance of a situation, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, is an attitude or feeling that you cannot change it and that you must get used to it.

Their acceptance of the system will probably determine its long-term fate.

...his calm acceptance of whatever comes his way. [+ of]

4. uncountable noun [usually with supplement]

If there is acceptance of a new product, people start to like it and get used to it.

Customer acceptance of this technology has been outstanding.

Avant-garde music to this day has not found general public acceptance.

Synonyms: approval, following, support, embracing More Synonyms of acceptance

5. uncountable noun

Acceptance of someone into a group means beginning to think of them as part of the group and to act in a friendly way towards them.

...an effort to ensure that people with disabilities achieve real acceptance.

Synonyms: recognition, appreciation, acknowledgment More Synonyms of acceptance

More Synonyms of acceptance

Video: pronunciation of
acceptance

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Word Frequency

acceptance in British English

(əkˈsɛptəns )

noun

1.

the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable

2.

3. (often foll by of)

belief (in) or assent (to)

4. business

a.

a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc

b.

the document so accepted

Compare bank acceptance

5. (plural) Australian and New Zealand

a list of horses accepted as starters in a race

6. contract law

words or conduct by which a person signifies his or her assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement

Word Frequency

acceptance in American English

(ækˈsɛptəns ; əkˈsɛptəns )

noun

1.

an accepting or being accepted

2.

approving reception; approval; acceptability

3.

belief in; assent

4.

a draft or bill of exchange that has been accepted for payment

5. Law

an express or implied act by which one accepts an obligation, offer, contract, etc. together with all its legal consequences

Word Frequency

acceptancy in British English

(ækˈsɛptənsɪ)

noun

a less common word for acceptance (sense 1), acceptance (sense 2), acceptance (sense 3)

acceptance in British English

(əkˈsɛptəns )

noun

1.

the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable

2.

3. (often foll by of)

belief (in) or assent (to)

4. business

a.

a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc

b.

the document so accepted

Compare bank acceptance

5. (plural) Australian and New Zealand

a list of horses accepted as starters in a race

6. contract law

words or conduct by which a person signifies his or her assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement

You may also like

Word Frequency

acceptancy in American English

(ækˈseptənsi)

nounWord forms: plural -cies

1.

the act of accepting; acceptance

2.

a willingness to accept or receive; receptiveness

Word origin

[1855–60; accept + -ancy]This word is first recorded in the period 1855–60. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boilerplate, keyword, kickoff, output, specialist-ancy is a combination of -ance and -y, used to form nouns denoting state or quality. Other words that use the affix -ancy include: habitancy, itinerancy, malignancy, occupancy, vagrancy

Word Frequency

acceptant in British English

(əkˈsɛptənt )

adjective

receiving willingly; receptive

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Word Frequency

acceptant in American English

(ækˈsɛptənt )

adjective

readily accepting; receptive

Word Frequency

acceptant in American English

(ækˈseptənt)

adjective

willingly or readily accepting or receiving; receptive

Word origin

[1590–1600; accept + -ant]This word is first recorded in the period 1590–1600. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: class, dummy, mission, operator, radius-ant is a suffix forming adjectives and nouns from verbs, occurring originally in French and Latin loanwords (pleasant; constant; servant) and productive in English on this model; -ant has the general sense “characterized by or serving in the capacity of” that named by the stem (ascendant; pretendant), esp. in the formation of nouns denoting human agents in legal actions or other formal procedures (tenant; defendant; applicant; contestant). In technical and commercial coinages, -ant is a suffix of nouns denoting impersonal physical agents (propellant; lubricant; deodorant). In general, -ant can be added only to bases of Latin origin, with a very few exceptions, as coolant

Word Frequency

acceptation in British English

(ˌæksɛpˈteɪʃən )

noun

the accepted meaning, as of a word, phrase, etc

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Word Frequency

acceptation in American English

(ˌæksɛpˈteɪʃən )

noun

1.

the generally accepted meaning (of a word or expression)

2. Archaic

acceptance

Word origin

LL acceptatio: see accept

Word Frequency

accepted

(ækseptɪd )

1. adjective [oft adverb ADJECTIVE]

Accepted ideas are agreed by most people to be correct or reasonable.

There is no generally accepted definition of life.

It is accepted wisdom that science has been partly responsible for the decline of religion.

Synonyms: agreed, received, common, standard More Synonyms of accepted

2. See also accept

Video: pronunciation of
accepted

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Word Frequency

accepted in British English

(əkˈsɛptɪd )

adjective

commonly approved or recognized; customary; established

Derived forms

acceptedly (acˈceptedly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accepted in American English

(ækˈsɛptɪd ; əkˈsɛptɪd )

adjective

generally regarded as true, valid, proper, etc.; conventional; approved

Word Frequency

accepted

(ækseptɪd )

1. adjective [oft adverb ADJECTIVE]

Accepted ideas are agreed by most people to be correct or reasonable.

There is no generally accepted definition of life.

It is accepted wisdom that science has been partly responsible for the decline of religion.

Synonyms: agreed, received, common, standard More Synonyms of accepted

2. See also accept

Video: pronunciation of
accepted

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Word Frequency

accepted in British English

(əkˈsɛptɪd )

adjective

commonly approved or recognized; customary; established

Derived forms

acceptedly (acˈceptedly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accepted in American English

(ækˈsɛptɪd ; əkˈsɛptɪd )

adjective

generally regarded as true, valid, proper, etc.; conventional; approved

Word Frequency

acceptee in British English

(ˌæksɛpˈtiː)

noun

a person who has been accepted, or has accepted a position

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Word Frequency

acceptee in American English

(ˌæksepˈti)

noun

a person who is accepted, as for military service

Word origin

[accept + -ee]-ee is a suffix forming from transitive verbs nouns which denote a person who is the object or beneficiary of the act specified by the verb (addressee; employee; grantee); more recent formations also mark the performer of an act, with the base being an intransitive verb (escapee; returnee; standee) or, less frequently, a transitive verb (attendee) or another part of speech (absentee; refugee)

Word Frequency

acceptee in British English

(ˌæksɛpˈtiː)

noun

a person who has been accepted, or has accepted a position

You may also like

Word Frequency

acceptee in American English

(ˌæksepˈti)

noun

a person who is accepted, as for military service

Word origin

[accept + -ee]-ee is a suffix forming from transitive verbs nouns which denote a person who is the object or beneficiary of the act specified by the verb (addressee; employee; grantee); more recent formations also mark the performer of an act, with the base being an intransitive verb (escapee; returnee; standee) or, less frequently, a transitive verb (attendee) or another part of speech (absentee; refugee)

Word Frequency

accept

(æksept )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accepts , present participle accepting , past tense, past participle accepted

1. verb

If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.

Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage. [VERB noun]

Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted by jumble sale organisers. [VERB noun]

All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted. [VERB]

Synonyms: receive, take, gain, pick up More Synonyms of accept

2. verb

If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid.

I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science. [VERB that]

I don't think they would accept that view. [VERB noun]

He did not accept this reply as valid. [VERB noun + as]

...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: acknowledge, believe, allow, admit More Synonyms of accept

3. verb

If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen.

Accepting the report's proposals would mean a change in church law. [VERB noun]

The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed.

Some people can accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good. [VERB noun]

Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life. [VERB noun + as]

I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility. [VERB that]

Synonyms: stand, take, experience, suffer More Synonyms of accept

5. verb

If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it.

We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising. [VERB noun]

Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card. [be VERB-ed]

Proof of postage will not be accepted as proof of receipt. [be V-ed as n]

[Also V n as n/adj]

6. verb

If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered.

All-male groups will not be accepted. [be VERB-ed]

...incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants. [VERB noun + as]

7. verb

If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do.

My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me. [VERB noun]

Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner. [VERB noun + as]

Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: welcome, receive, greet, embrace More Synonyms of accept

8. verb

If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it.

The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. [VERB noun]

9. verb

If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say.

The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership. [VERB noun]

Don't automatically accept the solicitor recommended by the broker. [VERB noun]

10. verb

If someone's body accepts a transplanted organ, the organ becomes part of the body and starts to function normally.

...drugs which will fool the body into accepting transplants. [VERB noun]

11. verb

If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it.

The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins. [VERB noun]

12. See also accepted

Video: pronunciation of
accept

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Word Frequency

accept in British English

(əkˈsɛpt )

verb (mainly tr)

1.

to take or receive (something offered)

2.

to give an affirmative reply to

to accept an invitation

3.

to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc, of

she accepted office

4.

to tolerate or accommodate oneself to

5.

to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc)

I cannot accept your argument

6. (may take a clause as object)

to be willing to grant or believe

you must accept that he lied

7.

to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc

8. business

to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc), esp by signing

9.

to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid

10.

to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc)

11. (intransitive; sometimes foll by of) archaic

to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin acceptāre, from ad- to + capere to take

Word Frequency

accept in American English

(ækˈsɛpt ; əkˈsɛpt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (what is offered or given); receive, esp. willingly

2.

to receive favorably; approve

to accept a theory

3.

to submit to; be resigned to

he had to accept defeat

4.

to believe in

5.

to understand as having a certain meaning

6.

to respond to in the affirmative

to accept an invitation

7.

to admit as a student, member, etc.

8.

to agree to take the responsibilities of (a job, office, etc.)

9.

to receive (a committee report) as satisfactory according to parliamentary procedure

10. Business

to agree, as by a signed promise, to pay

11. Law

to receive with intent to retain and adopt

verb intransitive

12.

to accept something offered

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈceive

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

ME accepten < OFr accepter < L acceptare < pp. stem of accipere < ad-, to + capere, to take: see have

Word Frequency

acceptive in British English

(ækˈsɛptɪv)

adjective

ready or willing to accept

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Word Frequency

acceptive in American English

(ækˈseptɪv)

adjective

1.

inclined to receive or accept; receptive

She was seldom acceptive of my suggestions

2.

reasonably satisfactory; acceptable

an acceptive mode of transportation

Word origin

[1590–1600; accept + -ive, on the model of receptive]This word is first recorded in the period 1590–1600. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: attack, class, squeeze, tea, tube-ive is a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc. Other words that use the affix -ive include: active, corrective, destructive, passive, sportive

Word Frequency

acceptor in British English

(əkˈsɛptə )

noun

1. business

the person or organization on which a draft or bill of exchange is drawn after liability has been accepted, usually by signature

2. Also called: acceptor impurity electronics

an impurity, such as gallium, added to a semiconductor material to increase its p-type conductivity by increasing the number of holes in the semiconductor

Compare donor (sense 5)

3. electronics

a circuit tuned to accept a particular frequency

4. chemistry

the atom or group that accepts electrons in a coordinate bond

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Word Frequency

acceptor in American English

(ækˈsɛptər ; əkˈsɛptər )

noun

1.

one who accepts; specif., a person who signs a promise to pay a draft or bill of exchange

2. Chemistry

an atom that receives a pair of electrons from another atom to form a covalent bond with it

3. Electronics

an impurity, as gallium or boron, added to a semiconductor crystal to make a p-type semiconductor

Word Frequency

acceptor in British English

(əkˈsɛptə )

noun

1. business

the person or organization on which a draft or bill of exchange is drawn after liability has been accepted, usually by signature

2. Also called: acceptor impurity electronics

an impurity, such as gallium, added to a semiconductor material to increase its p-type conductivity by increasing the number of holes in the semiconductor

Compare donor (sense 5)

3. electronics

a circuit tuned to accept a particular frequency

4. chemistry

the atom or group that accepts electrons in a coordinate bond

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Word Frequency

acceptor in American English

(ækˈsɛptər ; əkˈsɛptər )

noun

1.

one who accepts; specif., a person who signs a promise to pay a draft or bill of exchange

2. Chemistry

an atom that receives a pair of electrons from another atom to form a covalent bond with it

3. Electronics

an impurity, as gallium or boron, added to a semiconductor crystal to make a p-type semiconductor

Word Frequency

accept

(æksept )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accepts , present participle accepting , past tense, past participle accepted

1. verb

If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.

Eventually Sam persuaded her to accept an offer of marriage. [VERB noun]

Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted by jumble sale organisers. [VERB noun]

All those invited to next week's peace conference have accepted. [VERB]

Synonyms: receive, take, gain, pick up More Synonyms of accept

2. verb

If you accept an idea, statement, or fact, you believe that it is true or valid.

I do not accept that there is any kind of crisis in British science. [VERB that]

I don't think they would accept that view. [VERB noun]

He did not accept this reply as valid. [VERB noun + as]

...a workforce generally accepted to have the best conditions in Europe. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: acknowledge, believe, allow, admit More Synonyms of accept

3. verb

If you accept a plan or an intended action, you agree to it and allow it to happen.

Accepting the report's proposals would mean a change in church law. [VERB noun]

The Council will meet to decide if it should accept his resignation. [VERB noun]

4. verb

If you accept an unpleasant fact or situation, you get used to it or recognize that it is necessary or cannot be changed.

Some people can accept suffering that can be shown to lead to a greater good. [VERB noun]

Urban dwellers often accept noise as part of city life. [VERB noun + as]

I wasn't willing to accept that her leaving was a possibility. [VERB that]

Synonyms: stand, take, experience, suffer More Synonyms of accept

5. verb

If a person, company, or organization accepts something such as a document, they recognize that it is genuine, correct, or satisfactory and agree to consider it or handle it.

We advised newspapers not to accept the advertising. [VERB noun]

Cheques can only be accepted up to the value guaranteed on the card. [be VERB-ed]

Proof of postage will not be accepted as proof of receipt. [be V-ed as n]

[Also V n as n/adj]

6. verb

If an organization or person accepts you, you are allowed to join the organization or use the services that are offered.

All-male groups will not be accepted. [be VERB-ed]

...incentives to private landlords to accept young people as tenants. [VERB noun + as]

7. verb

If a person or a group of people accepts you, they begin to be friendly towards you and are happy with who you are or what you do.

My grandparents have never had a problem accepting me. [VERB noun]

Many men still have difficulty accepting a woman as a business partner. [VERB noun + as]

Stephen Smith was accepted into the family like an adopted brother. [be VERB-ed + into]

Synonyms: welcome, receive, greet, embrace More Synonyms of accept

8. verb

If you accept the responsibility or blame for something, you recognize that you are responsible for it.

The company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. [VERB noun]

9. verb

If you accept someone's advice or suggestion, you agree to do what they say.

The army refused to accept orders from the political leadership. [VERB noun]

Don't automatically accept the solicitor recommended by the broker. [VERB noun]

10. verb

If someone's body accepts a transplanted organ, the organ becomes part of the body and starts to function normally.

...drugs which will fool the body into accepting transplants. [VERB noun]

11. verb

If a machine accepts a particular kind of thing, it is designed to take it and deal with it or process it.

The telephone booths accept 10 and 20 pence coins. [VERB noun]

12. See also accepted

Video: pronunciation of
accept

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Word Frequency

accept in British English

(əkˈsɛpt )

verb (mainly tr)

1.

to take or receive (something offered)

2.

to give an affirmative reply to

to accept an invitation

3.

to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc, of

she accepted office

4.

to tolerate or accommodate oneself to

5.

to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc)

I cannot accept your argument

6. (may take a clause as object)

to be willing to grant or believe

you must accept that he lied

7.

to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc

8. business

to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc), esp by signing

9.

to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid

10.

to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc)

11. (intransitive; sometimes foll by of) archaic

to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Latin acceptāre, from ad- to + capere to take

Word Frequency

accept in American English

(ækˈsɛpt ; əkˈsɛpt )

verb transitive

1.

to take (what is offered or given); receive, esp. willingly

2.

to receive favorably; approve

to accept a theory

3.

to submit to; be resigned to

he had to accept defeat

4.

to believe in

5.

to understand as having a certain meaning

6.

to respond to in the affirmative

to accept an invitation

7.

to admit as a student, member, etc.

8.

to agree to take the responsibilities of (a job, office, etc.)

9.

to receive (a committee report) as satisfactory according to parliamentary procedure

10. Business

to agree, as by a signed promise, to pay

11. Law

to receive with intent to retain and adopt

verb intransitive

12.

to accept something offered

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈceive

Derived forms

accepter (acˈcepter)

noun

Word origin

ME accepten < OFr accepter < L acceptare < pp. stem of accipere < ad-, to + capere, to take: see have

Word Frequency

access

(ækses )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accesses , present participle accessing , past tense, past participle accessed

1. uncountable noun

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it.

The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to]

Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to]

The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to]

Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée More Synonyms of access

2. uncountable noun

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.

...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to]

Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment.

3. uncountable noun

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.

He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to]

He had direct access to the Prime Minister.

4. verb

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it.

You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain More Synonyms of access

Video: pronunciation of
access

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Word Frequency

access in British English

(ˈæksɛs )

noun

1.

the act of approaching or entering

2.

the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3.

the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4.

a way or means of approach or entry

5.

the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

I was denied access to my children

6. (modifier)

designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

access television

7.

a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

8.

to gain access to; make accessible or available

9. (transitive) computing

a.

to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

b.

to place (information) in a storage device

See also direct access, sequential access

Word origin

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Word Frequency

access in American English

(ˈækˌsɛs )

noun

1.

the act of coming toward or near to; approach

2.

a way or means of approaching, getting, using, etc.

3.

the right to enter, approach, or use; admittance

4.

increase or growth

5.

an outburst; paroxysm

an access of anger

verb transitive

6.

to gain or have access to; esp., to retrieve data from, or add data to, a database

branch officials can access the central database

Word origin

ME & OFr acces < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

Word Frequency

accessary in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

law a less common spelling of accessory

Derived forms

accessarily (acˈcessarily)

adverb

accessariness (acˈcessariness)

noun

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Word Frequency

accessary in American English

(ækˈsɛsəri ; əkˈsɛsəri )

adjective, nounWord forms: plural acˈcessaries

UNRESOLVED CROSS REF

Word Frequency

access

(ækses )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accesses , present participle accessing , past tense, past participle accessed

1. uncountable noun

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it.

The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to]

Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to]

The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to]

Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée More Synonyms of access

2. uncountable noun

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.

...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to]

Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment.

3. uncountable noun

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.

He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to]

He had direct access to the Prime Minister.

4. verb

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it.

You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain More Synonyms of access

Video: pronunciation of
access

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Word Frequency

access in British English

(ˈæksɛs )

noun

1.

the act of approaching or entering

2.

the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3.

the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4.

a way or means of approach or entry

5.

the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

I was denied access to my children

6. (modifier)

designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

access television

7.

a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

8.

to gain access to; make accessible or available

9. (transitive) computing

a.

to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

b.

to place (information) in a storage device

See also direct access, sequential access

Word origin

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Word Frequency

access in American English

(ˈækˌsɛs )

noun

1.

the act of coming toward or near to; approach

2.

a way or means of approaching, getting, using, etc.

3.

the right to enter, approach, or use; admittance

4.

increase or growth

5.

an outburst; paroxysm

an access of anger

verb transitive

6.

to gain or have access to; esp., to retrieve data from, or add data to, a database

branch officials can access the central database

Word origin

ME & OFr acces < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

Word Frequency

access

(ækses )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accesses , present participle accessing , past tense, past participle accessed

1. uncountable noun

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it.

The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to]

Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to]

The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to]

Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée More Synonyms of access

2. uncountable noun

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.

...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to]

Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment.

3. uncountable noun

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.

He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to]

He had direct access to the Prime Minister.

4. verb

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it.

You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain More Synonyms of access

Video: pronunciation of
access

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Word Frequency

access in British English

(ˈæksɛs )

noun

1.

the act of approaching or entering

2.

the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3.

the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4.

a way or means of approach or entry

5.

the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

I was denied access to my children

6. (modifier)

designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

access television

7.

a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

8.

to gain access to; make accessible or available

9. (transitive) computing

a.

to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

b.

to place (information) in a storage device

See also direct access, sequential access

Word origin

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Word Frequency

access in American English

(ˈækˌsɛs )

noun

1.

the act of coming toward or near to; approach

2.

a way or means of approaching, getting, using, etc.

3.

the right to enter, approach, or use; admittance

4.

increase or growth

5.

an outburst; paroxysm

an access of anger

verb transitive

6.

to gain or have access to; esp., to retrieve data from, or add data to, a database

branch officials can access the central database

Word origin

ME & OFr acces < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

Word Frequency

accessible

(æksesɪbəl )

1. adjective

If a place or building is accessible to people, it is easy for them to reach it or get into it. If an object is accessible, it is easy to reach.

The Centre is easily accessible to the general public. [+ to]

The premises are wheelchair accessible.

I kept my phone readily accessible in case I saw something that needed to be filmed.

accessibility (æksesɪbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...the easy accessibility of the area. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

2. adjective

If something is accessible to people, they can easily use it or obtain it.

The legal aid system should be accessible to more people. [+ to]

This device helps make virtual reality a more usable and accessible technology.

Synonyms: available, possible, ready, convenient More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

...the quality and accessibility of health care. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: availability, possibility, attainability, obtainability More Synonyms of accessible

3. adjective

If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible, you think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and appreciate easily.

[approval]

...literary books that are accessible to a general audience. [+ to]

...their reputation for providing exciting and accessible theatre for young people.

Synonyms: understandable, plain, conceivable, user-friendly More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience. [+ to]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Video: pronunciation of
accessible

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Word Frequency

accessible in British English

(əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

easy to approach, enter, use, or understand

3.

obtainable; available

4.

easy for disabled people to enter or use

5. logic

(of a possible world) surveyable from some other world so that the truth value of statements about it can be known. A statement possibly p is true in a world W if and only if p is true in some worlds accessible to W

Derived forms

accessibility (acˌcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accessible in American English

(ækˈsɛsəbəl ; əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

that can be approached or entered

2.

easy to approach or enter

3.

that can be got; obtainable

4.

open to the influence of

with to

accessible to pity

5.

easily understood or generally appreciated

an accessible poet

Derived forms

accessibility (acˈcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) accessibilis < L accessus, access

Word Frequency

accessible

(æksesɪbəl )

1. adjective

If a place or building is accessible to people, it is easy for them to reach it or get into it. If an object is accessible, it is easy to reach.

The Centre is easily accessible to the general public. [+ to]

The premises are wheelchair accessible.

I kept my phone readily accessible in case I saw something that needed to be filmed.

accessibility (æksesɪbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...the easy accessibility of the area. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

2. adjective

If something is accessible to people, they can easily use it or obtain it.

The legal aid system should be accessible to more people. [+ to]

This device helps make virtual reality a more usable and accessible technology.

Synonyms: available, possible, ready, convenient More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

...the quality and accessibility of health care. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: availability, possibility, attainability, obtainability More Synonyms of accessible

3. adjective

If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible, you think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and appreciate easily.

[approval]

...literary books that are accessible to a general audience. [+ to]

...their reputation for providing exciting and accessible theatre for young people.

Synonyms: understandable, plain, conceivable, user-friendly More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience. [+ to]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Video: pronunciation of
accessible

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Word Frequency

accessible in British English

(əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

easy to approach, enter, use, or understand

3.

obtainable; available

4.

easy for disabled people to enter or use

5. logic

(of a possible world) surveyable from some other world so that the truth value of statements about it can be known. A statement possibly p is true in a world W if and only if p is true in some worlds accessible to W

Derived forms

accessibility (acˌcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accessible in American English

(ækˈsɛsəbəl ; əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

that can be approached or entered

2.

easy to approach or enter

3.

that can be got; obtainable

4.

open to the influence of

with to

accessible to pity

5.

easily understood or generally appreciated

an accessible poet

Derived forms

accessibility (acˈcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) accessibilis < L accessus, access

Word Frequency

accessible

(æksesɪbəl )

1. adjective

If a place or building is accessible to people, it is easy for them to reach it or get into it. If an object is accessible, it is easy to reach.

The Centre is easily accessible to the general public. [+ to]

The premises are wheelchair accessible.

I kept my phone readily accessible in case I saw something that needed to be filmed.

accessibility (æksesɪbɪlɪti ) uncountable noun

...the easy accessibility of the area. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

2. adjective

If something is accessible to people, they can easily use it or obtain it.

The legal aid system should be accessible to more people. [+ to]

This device helps make virtual reality a more usable and accessible technology.

Synonyms: available, possible, ready, convenient More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

...the quality and accessibility of health care. [+ of]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: availability, possibility, attainability, obtainability More Synonyms of accessible

3. adjective

If you describe a book, painting, or other work of art as accessible, you think it is good because it is simple enough for people to understand and appreciate easily.

[approval]

...literary books that are accessible to a general audience. [+ to]

...their reputation for providing exciting and accessible theatre for young people.

Synonyms: understandable, plain, conceivable, user-friendly More Synonyms of accessible

accessibility uncountable noun

Seminar topics are chosen for their accessibility to a general audience. [+ to]

Synonyms: openness, susceptibility, exposedness More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: friendliness, informality, cordiality, affability More Synonyms of accessible

Synonyms: approachability, availability, readiness, nearness More Synonyms of accessible

Video: pronunciation of
accessible

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Word Frequency

accessible in British English

(əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

easy to approach, enter, use, or understand

3.

obtainable; available

4.

easy for disabled people to enter or use

5. logic

(of a possible world) surveyable from some other world so that the truth value of statements about it can be known. A statement possibly p is true in a world W if and only if p is true in some worlds accessible to W

Derived forms

accessibility (acˌcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word Frequency

accessible in American English

(ækˈsɛsəbəl ; əkˈsɛsəbəl )

adjective

1.

that can be approached or entered

2.

easy to approach or enter

3.

that can be got; obtainable

4.

open to the influence of

with to

accessible to pity

5.

easily understood or generally appreciated

an accessible poet

Derived forms

accessibility (acˈcessiˈbility)

noun

accessibly (acˈcessibly)

adverb

Word origin

Fr < LL(Ec) accessibilis < L accessus, access

Word Frequency

access

(ækses )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accesses , present participle accessing , past tense, past participle accessed

1. uncountable noun

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it.

The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to]

Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to]

The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to]

Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée More Synonyms of access

2. uncountable noun

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.

...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to]

Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment.

3. uncountable noun

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.

He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to]

He had direct access to the Prime Minister.

4. verb

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it.

You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain More Synonyms of access

Video: pronunciation of
access

You may also like

Word Frequency

access in British English

(ˈæksɛs )

noun

1.

the act of approaching or entering

2.

the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc

3.

the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something

4.

a way or means of approach or entry

5.

the opportunity or right to see or approach someone

I was denied access to my children

6. (modifier)

designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters

access television

7.

a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

8.

to gain access to; make accessible or available

9. (transitive) computing

a.

to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device

b.

to place (information) in a storage device

See also direct access, sequential access

Word origin

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

Word Frequency

access in American English

(ˈækˌsɛs )

noun

1.

the act of coming toward or near to; approach

2.

a way or means of approaching, getting, using, etc.

3.

the right to enter, approach, or use; admittance

4.

increase or growth

5.

an outburst; paroxysm

an access of anger

verb transitive

6.

to gain or have access to; esp., to retrieve data from, or add data to, a database

branch officials can access the central database

Word origin

ME & OFr acces < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

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Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accession

(ækseʃən )

1. uncountable noun [with poss]

Accession is the act of taking up a position as the ruler of a country.

[formal]

...the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. [+ to]

2. uncountable noun [oft with poss, N to n]

A country's accession to a group of countries or to an association is its joining that group of countries or association.

[formal]

... the final stages of negotiating accession to the European Union.

It is absolutely not right to speed up accession to Nato without public support.

You may also like

Word Frequency

accession in British English

(əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc

2.

an increase due to an addition

3.

an addition, as to a collection

4. property law

a.

an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement

b.

the owner's right to the increased value of such land

5. international law

the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty

6.

7. a less common word for access (sense 2)

verb

8. (transitive)

to make a record of (additions to a collection)

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word Frequency

accession in American English

(ækˈsɛʃən ; əkˈsɛʃən )

noun

1.

the act of coming to or attaining (a throne, power, etc.)

the accession of a new king

2.

assent; agreement

3.

a.

increase by addition

b.

an item added, as to a library or museum

4.

an outburst; paroxysm; access

5. Law

a.

addition to property by improvements or natural growth

b.

the owner's right to the increase in value due to such additions

verb transitive US

6.

to record (a book, etc.) as a new accession

Derived forms

accessional (acˈcessional)

adjective

Word origin

Fr < L accessio < accessus, access

Word Frequency

accessorial in American English

(ˌæksɛˈsɔriəl )

adjective

of or like an accessory; supplementary

Word origin

< ML accessorius (see UNRESOLVED CROSS REF) + -al

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Word Frequency

accessorial in American English

(ˌæksəˈsɔriəl, -ˈsour-)

adjective

accessory; supplementary

Word origin

[1720–30; accessory + -al1]This word is first recorded in the period 1720–30. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: berm, catchword, fantail, saloon, stylus

Word Frequency

accessories in British English

plural noun

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Word Frequency

accessories in Retail

(æksɛsəriz)

noun

(Retail: Products)

Accessories belong to a product category in fashion stores, which includes items such as scarves, hats, gloves, belts, and purses.

Retail sales of both men's and women's fashion accessories finished the year on an up note, with hats and scarves the bestselling products.

The company manufactures bridal accessories, including veils, gloves, and hair ornaments.

Accessories belong to a product category in fashion stores, which includes items such as scarves, hats, gloves, belts, and purses.

Word Frequency

accessory

(æksesəri )

Word forms: plural accessories

1. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.

...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

Synonyms: extra, addition, supplement, convenience More Synonyms of accessory

2. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3. countable noun

If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police.

[law]

She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. [+ to]

Synonyms: accomplice, partner, ally, associate More Synonyms of accessory

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can use accessory to describe something which is part of an activity or process, but not the most essential or important part of it.

[formal]

Forster established that minerals are accessory food factors required for maintaining life.

Synonyms: supplementary, aiding, extra, additional More Synonyms of accessory

Video: pronunciation of
accessory

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Word Frequency

accessory in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

1.

a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural)

a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3.

a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

adjective

4.

supplementary; additional; subordinate

5.

assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Derived forms

accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl )

adjective

accessorily (acˈcessorily)

adverb

accessoriness (acˈcessoriness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Word Frequency

accessory in American English

(ækˈsesəri) (noun plural -ries)

noun

1.

a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera

2.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit

3. Law

a. Also called: accessory before the fact

a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony

b. Also called: accessory after the fact

a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony

Compare principal (sense 9b)

4. Anatomy See accessory nerve

adjective

5.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary

6. Law

giving aid as an accessory

7. Mineralogy

noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite

Derived forms

accessorily

adverb

accessoriness

noun

Word origin

[1400–50; late ME accessorie (‹ MF) ‹ ML accessōrius. See accede, -tory1]

Word Frequency

accessory

(æksesəri )

Word forms: plural accessories

1. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.

...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

Synonyms: extra, addition, supplement, convenience More Synonyms of accessory

2. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3. countable noun

If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police.

[law]

She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. [+ to]

Synonyms: accomplice, partner, ally, associate More Synonyms of accessory

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can use accessory to describe something which is part of an activity or process, but not the most essential or important part of it.

[formal]

Forster established that minerals are accessory food factors required for maintaining life.

Synonyms: supplementary, aiding, extra, additional More Synonyms of accessory

Video: pronunciation of
accessory

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessory in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

1.

a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural)

a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3.

a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

adjective

4.

supplementary; additional; subordinate

5.

assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Derived forms

accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl )

adjective

accessorily (acˈcessorily)

adverb

accessoriness (acˈcessoriness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Word Frequency

accessory in American English

(ækˈsesəri) (noun plural -ries)

noun

1.

a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera

2.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit

3. Law

a. Also called: accessory before the fact

a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony

b. Also called: accessory after the fact

a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony

Compare principal (sense 9b)

4. Anatomy See accessory nerve

adjective

5.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary

6. Law

giving aid as an accessory

7. Mineralogy

noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite

Derived forms

accessorily

adverb

accessoriness

noun

Word origin

[1400–50; late ME accessorie (‹ MF) ‹ ML accessōrius. See accede, -tory1]

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

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Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

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Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessory

(æksesəri )

Word forms: plural accessories

1. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.

...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

Synonyms: extra, addition, supplement, convenience More Synonyms of accessory

2. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3. countable noun

If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police.

[law]

She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. [+ to]

Synonyms: accomplice, partner, ally, associate More Synonyms of accessory

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can use accessory to describe something which is part of an activity or process, but not the most essential or important part of it.

[formal]

Forster established that minerals are accessory food factors required for maintaining life.

Synonyms: supplementary, aiding, extra, additional More Synonyms of accessory

Video: pronunciation of
accessory

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessory in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

1.

a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural)

a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3.

a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

adjective

4.

supplementary; additional; subordinate

5.

assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Derived forms

accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl )

adjective

accessorily (acˈcessorily)

adverb

accessoriness (acˈcessoriness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Word Frequency

accessory in American English

(ækˈsesəri) (noun plural -ries)

noun

1.

a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera

2.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit

3. Law

a. Also called: accessory before the fact

a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony

b. Also called: accessory after the fact

a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony

Compare principal (sense 9b)

4. Anatomy See accessory nerve

adjective

5.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary

6. Law

giving aid as an accessory

7. Mineralogy

noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite

Derived forms

accessorily

adverb

accessoriness

noun

Word origin

[1400–50; late ME accessorie (‹ MF) ‹ ML accessōrius. See accede, -tory1]

Word Frequency

acciaccatura in British English

(ɑːˌtʃɑːkɑːˈtʊərə )

nounWord forms: plural -ras or -re (-reɪ, -riː)

1.

a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it

2.

(in modern music) a very short appoggiatura

Word origin

C18: Italian, literally: a crushing sound

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Word Frequency

acciaccatura in American English

(əˌtʃɑkəˈtʊrə ; Italian ɑtˌtʃɑkkɑˈtuˌʀɑ)

Italian

noun

in keyboard music of the Baroque period, a short grace note sounded together with the principal note or chord, but quickly released

Word origin

It < acciaccare, to crush < accia, ax < L ascia: see ax1

Word Frequency

acciaccatura in British English

(ɑːˌtʃɑːkɑːˈtʊərə )

nounWord forms: plural -ras or -re (-reɪ, -riː)

1.

a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it

2.

(in modern music) a very short appoggiatura

Word origin

C18: Italian, literally: a crushing sound

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Word Frequency

acciaccatura in American English

(əˌtʃɑkəˈtʊrə ; Italian ɑtˌtʃɑkkɑˈtuˌʀɑ)

Italian

noun

in keyboard music of the Baroque period, a short grace note sounded together with the principal note or chord, but quickly released

Word origin

It < acciaccare, to crush < accia, ax < L ascia: see ax1

Word Frequency

accidence in British English

(ˈæksɪdəns )

noun

inflectional morphology; the part of grammar concerned with changes in the form of words by internal modification or by affixation, for the expression of tense, person, case, number, etc

Word origin

C15: from Latin accidentia accidental matters, hence inflections of words, from accidere to happen. See accident

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Word Frequency

accidence in American English

(ˈæksədəns )

noun

1.

the part of grammar that deals with the inflection of words

2.

the elementary or first parts of a subject; rudiments

Word origin

ME accidens, inflection < L accidentia, that which happens < accidens: see accident

Word Frequency

accident

(æksɪdənt )

Word forms: plural accidents

1. countable noun

An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle, causing injury or damage.

She was involved in a serious car accident last week.

Six passengers were killed in the accident.

Synonyms: crash, smash, wreck, collision More Synonyms of accident

2. countable noun

If someone has an accident, something unpleasant happens to them that was not intended, sometimes causing injury or death.

5,000 people die every year because of accidents in the home.

The police say the killing of the young man was an accident.

Synonyms: misfortune, blow, disaster, tragedy More Synonyms of accident

3. variable noun [usu by N]

If something happens by accident, it happens completely by chance.

She discovered the problem by accident.

Almost like an accident of nature, this family has produced more talent than seems possible.

Synonyms: chance, fortune, luck, fate More Synonyms of accident

4.

5.

See it's no accident

Video: pronunciation of
accident

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Word Frequency

accident in British English

(ˈæksɪdənt )

noun

1.

an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause

2.

anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune

I met him by accident

3.

a misfortune or mishap, esp one causing injury or death

4. Also called: adjunct logic, philosophy

a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something (as opposed to substance)

5. metaphysics

a property as contrasted with the substance in which it inheres

6. geology

a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp in a rock formation or a river system

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to + cadere to fall

Word Frequency

accident in American English

(ˈæksədənt )

noun

1.

a happening that is not expected, foreseen, or intended

2.

an unpleasant and unintended happening, sometimes resulting from negligence, that results in injury, loss, damage, etc.

3.

fortune; chance

to meet by accident

4.

an attribute or quality that is not essential

5. Geography and Geology

an irregular formation

6. Law

an unforeseen event that occurs without anyone's fault or negligence

Word origin

ME < OFr < L accidens, prp. of accidere, to fall upon, happen < ad-, to + cadere, to fall: see case1

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

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Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.

3. music

denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece

4. logic

(of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

5.

an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute

6. music

a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word Frequency

accidental in American English

(ˌæksəˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

happening by chance; fortuitous

2.

belonging but not essential; attributive; incidental

3. Music

of an accidental

noun

4.

a nonessential quality or feature

5. Music

a.

a sign, as a sharp, flat, or natural, placed before a note to show a change of pitch from that indicated by the key signature

b.

the tone indicated by such a sign

SYNONYMY NOTE: accidental describes that which occurs by chance [an accidental encounter] or outside the normal course of events [an accidental attribute]; fortuitous, which frequently suggests a complete absence of cause, now usually refers to chance events of a fortunate nature; , casual describes the unpremeditated, random, informal, or irregular quality of something [a casual visit, remark, dress, etc.]; incidental emphasizes the nonessential or secondary nature of something [an incidental consideration]; adventitious refers to that which is added extrinsically and connotes a lack of essential connection

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word origin

ME < LL accidentalis: see accident

Word Frequency

accidentalism in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlɪzəm), accidentality (ˌæksɪdɛnˈtælɪtɪ) or accidentalness (ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlnəs)

noun

the state of being accidental

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Word Frequency

accidentalism in American English

(ˌæksɪˈdentlˌɪzəm)

noun

1.

a system of medicine based on the symptoms of a disease, disregarding its origin or cause

2. Philosophy

any theory holding that some events have no causes

Derived forms

accidentalist

noun or adjective

Word origin

[1850–55; accidental + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boneyard, clear-cut, ethos, headhunting, segue-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)

Word Frequency

accidentalism in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlɪzəm), accidentality (ˌæksɪdɛnˈtælɪtɪ) or accidentalness (ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlnəs)

noun

the state of being accidental

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Word Frequency

accidentalism in American English

(ˌæksɪˈdentlˌɪzəm)

noun

1.

a system of medicine based on the symptoms of a disease, disregarding its origin or cause

2. Philosophy

any theory holding that some events have no causes

Derived forms

accidentalist

noun or adjective

Word origin

[1850–55; accidental + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boneyard, clear-cut, ethos, headhunting, segue-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

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Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.

3. music

denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece

4. logic

(of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

5.

an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute

6. music

a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word Frequency

accidental in American English

(ˌæksəˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

happening by chance; fortuitous

2.

belonging but not essential; attributive; incidental

3. Music

of an accidental

noun

4.

a nonessential quality or feature

5. Music

a.

a sign, as a sharp, flat, or natural, placed before a note to show a change of pitch from that indicated by the key signature

b.

the tone indicated by such a sign

SYNONYMY NOTE: accidental describes that which occurs by chance [an accidental encounter] or outside the normal course of events [an accidental attribute]; fortuitous, which frequently suggests a complete absence of cause, now usually refers to chance events of a fortunate nature; , casual describes the unpremeditated, random, informal, or irregular quality of something [a casual visit, remark, dress, etc.]; incidental emphasizes the nonessential or secondary nature of something [an incidental consideration]; adventitious refers to that which is added extrinsically and connotes a lack of essential connection

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word origin

ME < LL accidentalis: see accident

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

You may also like

Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.

3. music

denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece

4. logic

(of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

5.

an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute

6. music

a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word Frequency

accidental in American English

(ˌæksəˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

happening by chance; fortuitous

2.

belonging but not essential; attributive; incidental

3. Music

of an accidental

noun

4.

a nonessential quality or feature

5. Music

a.

a sign, as a sharp, flat, or natural, placed before a note to show a change of pitch from that indicated by the key signature

b.

the tone indicated by such a sign

SYNONYMY NOTE: accidental describes that which occurs by chance [an accidental encounter] or outside the normal course of events [an accidental attribute]; fortuitous, which frequently suggests a complete absence of cause, now usually refers to chance events of a fortunate nature; , casual describes the unpremeditated, random, informal, or irregular quality of something [a casual visit, remark, dress, etc.]; incidental emphasizes the nonessential or secondary nature of something [an incidental consideration]; adventitious refers to that which is added extrinsically and connotes a lack of essential connection

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word origin

ME < LL accidentalis: see accident

Word Frequency

accessory

(æksesəri )

Word forms: plural accessories

1. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.

...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

Synonyms: extra, addition, supplement, convenience More Synonyms of accessory

2. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3. countable noun

If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police.

[law]

She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. [+ to]

Synonyms: accomplice, partner, ally, associate More Synonyms of accessory

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can use accessory to describe something which is part of an activity or process, but not the most essential or important part of it.

[formal]

Forster established that minerals are accessory food factors required for maintaining life.

Synonyms: supplementary, aiding, extra, additional More Synonyms of accessory

Video: pronunciation of
accessory

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Word Frequency

accessory in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

1.

a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural)

a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3.

a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

adjective

4.

supplementary; additional; subordinate

5.

assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Derived forms

accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl )

adjective

accessorily (acˈcessorily)

adverb

accessoriness (acˈcessoriness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Word Frequency

accessory in American English

(ækˈsesəri) (noun plural -ries)

noun

1.

a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera

2.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit

3. Law

a. Also called: accessory before the fact

a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony

b. Also called: accessory after the fact

a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony

Compare principal (sense 9b)

4. Anatomy See accessory nerve

adjective

5.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary

6. Law

giving aid as an accessory

7. Mineralogy

noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite

Derived forms

accessorily

adverb

accessoriness

noun

Word origin

[1400–50; late ME accessorie (‹ MF) ‹ ML accessōrius. See accede, -tory1]

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

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Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessorize

(æksesəraɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense accessorizes , present participle accessorizing , past tense, past participle accessorized regional note: in BRIT, also use accessorise

verb

To accessorize something such as a set of furniture or clothing means to add other things to it in order to make it look more attractive.

Use a belt to accessorise a plain dress. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: add to, decorate, supplement, complement More Synonyms of accessorize

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessorize in British English

or accessorise (əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz )

verb

(transitive)

to add accessories to

accessorize a plain jacket with a scarf

Word Frequency

accessorize in American English

(ækˈsɛsəˌraɪz ; əkˈsɛsərˌaɪz )

US

verb transitiveWord forms: acˈcessoˌrized or acˈcessoˌrizing

to equip, decorate, supplement, etc. with accessories

Word Frequency

accessory

(æksesəri )

Word forms: plural accessories

1. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are items of equipment that are not usually essential, but which can be used with or added to something else in order to make it more efficient, useful, or decorative.

...an exclusive range of hand-made bedroom and bathroom accessories.

Synonyms: extra, addition, supplement, convenience More Synonyms of accessory

2. countable noun [usually plural]

Accessories are articles such as belts and scarves which you wear or carry but which are not part of your main clothing.

3. countable noun

If someone is guilty of being an accessory to a crime, they helped the person who committed it, or knew it was being committed but did not tell the police.

[law]

She was charged with being an accessory to the embezzlement of funds. [+ to]

Synonyms: accomplice, partner, ally, associate More Synonyms of accessory

4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can use accessory to describe something which is part of an activity or process, but not the most essential or important part of it.

[formal]

Forster established that minerals are accessory food factors required for maintaining life.

Synonyms: supplementary, aiding, extra, additional More Synonyms of accessory

Video: pronunciation of
accessory

You may also like

Word Frequency

accessory in British English

(əkˈsɛsərɪ )

nounWord forms: plural -ries

1.

a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc

2. (often plural)

a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women's dress

3.

a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission

adjective

4.

supplementary; additional; subordinate

5.

assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime

Derived forms

accessorial (ˌæksɛˈsɔːrɪəl )

adjective

accessorily (acˈcessorily)

adverb

accessoriness (acˈcessoriness)

noun

Word origin

C17: from Late Latin accessōrius: see access

Word Frequency

accessory in American English

(ækˈsesəri) (noun plural -ries)

noun

1.

a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera

2.

an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit

3. Law

a. Also called: accessory before the fact

a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony

b. Also called: accessory after the fact

a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony

Compare principal (sense 9b)

4. Anatomy See accessory nerve

adjective

5.

contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary

6. Law

giving aid as an accessory

7. Mineralogy

noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite

Derived forms

accessorily

adverb

accessoriness

noun

Word origin

[1400–50; late ME accessorie (‹ MF) ‹ ML accessōrius. See accede, -tory1]

Word Frequency

acciaccatura in British English

(ɑːˌtʃɑːkɑːˈtʊərə )

nounWord forms: plural -ras or -re (-reɪ, -riː)

1.

a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it

2.

(in modern music) a very short appoggiatura

Word origin

C18: Italian, literally: a crushing sound

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Word Frequency

acciaccatura in American English

(əˌtʃɑkəˈtʊrə ; Italian ɑtˌtʃɑkkɑˈtuˌʀɑ)

Italian

noun

in keyboard music of the Baroque period, a short grace note sounded together with the principal note or chord, but quickly released

Word origin

It < acciaccare, to crush < accia, ax < L ascia: see ax1

Word Frequency

acciaccatura in British English

(ɑːˌtʃɑːkɑːˈtʊərə )

nounWord forms: plural -ras or -re (-reɪ, -riː)

1.

a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it

2.

(in modern music) a very short appoggiatura

Word origin

C18: Italian, literally: a crushing sound

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Word Frequency

acciaccatura in American English

(əˌtʃɑkəˈtʊrə ; Italian ɑtˌtʃɑkkɑˈtuˌʀɑ)

Italian

noun

in keyboard music of the Baroque period, a short grace note sounded together with the principal note or chord, but quickly released

Word origin

It < acciaccare, to crush < accia, ax < L ascia: see ax1

Word Frequency

accidence in British English

(ˈæksɪdəns )

noun

inflectional morphology; the part of grammar concerned with changes in the form of words by internal modification or by affixation, for the expression of tense, person, case, number, etc

Word origin

C15: from Latin accidentia accidental matters, hence inflections of words, from accidere to happen. See accident

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Word Frequency

accidence in American English

(ˈæksədəns )

noun

1.

the part of grammar that deals with the inflection of words

2.

the elementary or first parts of a subject; rudiments

Word origin

ME accidens, inflection < L accidentia, that which happens < accidens: see accident

Word Frequency

accident

(æksɪdənt )

Word forms: plural accidents

1. countable noun

An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle, causing injury or damage.

She was involved in a serious car accident last week.

Six passengers were killed in the accident.

Synonyms: crash, smash, wreck, collision More Synonyms of accident

2. countable noun

If someone has an accident, something unpleasant happens to them that was not intended, sometimes causing injury or death.

5,000 people die every year because of accidents in the home.

The police say the killing of the young man was an accident.

Synonyms: misfortune, blow, disaster, tragedy More Synonyms of accident

3. variable noun [usu by N]

If something happens by accident, it happens completely by chance.

She discovered the problem by accident.

Almost like an accident of nature, this family has produced more talent than seems possible.

Synonyms: chance, fortune, luck, fate More Synonyms of accident

4.

5.

See it's no accident

Video: pronunciation of
accident

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Word Frequency

accident in British English

(ˈæksɪdənt )

noun

1.

an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause

2.

anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune

I met him by accident

3.

a misfortune or mishap, esp one causing injury or death

4. Also called: adjunct logic, philosophy

a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something (as opposed to substance)

5. metaphysics

a property as contrasted with the substance in which it inheres

6. geology

a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp in a rock formation or a river system

Word origin

C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to + cadere to fall

Word Frequency

accident in American English

(ˈæksədənt )

noun

1.

a happening that is not expected, foreseen, or intended

2.

an unpleasant and unintended happening, sometimes resulting from negligence, that results in injury, loss, damage, etc.

3.

fortune; chance

to meet by accident

4.

an attribute or quality that is not essential

5. Geography and Geology

an irregular formation

6. Law

an unforeseen event that occurs without anyone's fault or negligence

Word origin

ME < OFr < L accidens, prp. of accidere, to fall upon, happen < ad-, to + cadere, to fall: see case1

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

You may also like

Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.

3. music

denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece

4. logic

(of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

5.

an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute

6. music

a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word Frequency

accidental in American English

(ˌæksəˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

happening by chance; fortuitous

2.

belonging but not essential; attributive; incidental

3. Music

of an accidental

noun

4.

a nonessential quality or feature

5. Music

a.

a sign, as a sharp, flat, or natural, placed before a note to show a change of pitch from that indicated by the key signature

b.

the tone indicated by such a sign

SYNONYMY NOTE: accidental describes that which occurs by chance [an accidental encounter] or outside the normal course of events [an accidental attribute]; fortuitous, which frequently suggests a complete absence of cause, now usually refers to chance events of a fortunate nature; , casual describes the unpremeditated, random, informal, or irregular quality of something [a casual visit, remark, dress, etc.]; incidental emphasizes the nonessential or secondary nature of something [an incidental consideration]; adventitious refers to that which is added extrinsically and connotes a lack of essential connection

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word origin

ME < LL accidentalis: see accident

Word Frequency

accidentalism in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlɪzəm), accidentality (ˌæksɪdɛnˈtælɪtɪ) or accidentalness (ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlnəs)

noun

the state of being accidental

You may also like

Word Frequency

accidentalism in American English

(ˌæksɪˈdentlˌɪzəm)

noun

1.

a system of medicine based on the symptoms of a disease, disregarding its origin or cause

2. Philosophy

any theory holding that some events have no causes

Derived forms

accidentalist

noun or adjective

Word origin

[1850–55; accidental + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boneyard, clear-cut, ethos, headhunting, segue-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)

Word Frequency

accidentalism in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlɪzəm), accidentality (ˌæksɪdɛnˈtælɪtɪ) or accidentalness (ˌæksɪˈdɛntəlnəs)

noun

the state of being accidental

You may also like

Word Frequency

accidentalism in American English

(ˌæksɪˈdentlˌɪzəm)

noun

1.

a system of medicine based on the symptoms of a disease, disregarding its origin or cause

2. Philosophy

any theory holding that some events have no causes

Derived forms

accidentalist

noun or adjective

Word origin

[1850–55; accidental + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered English at around the same time include: boneyard, clear-cut, ethos, headhunting, segue-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

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Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.

3. music

denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece

4. logic

(of a property) not essential; contingent

noun

5.

an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute

6. music

a symbol denoting a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word Frequency

accidental in American English

(ˌæksəˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

happening by chance; fortuitous

2.

belonging but not essential; attributive; incidental

3. Music

of an accidental

noun

4.

a nonessential quality or feature

5. Music

a.

a sign, as a sharp, flat, or natural, placed before a note to show a change of pitch from that indicated by the key signature

b.

the tone indicated by such a sign

SYNONYMY NOTE: accidental describes that which occurs by chance [an accidental encounter] or outside the normal course of events [an accidental attribute]; fortuitous, which frequently suggests a complete absence of cause, now usually refers to chance events of a fortunate nature; , casual describes the unpremeditated, random, informal, or irregular quality of something [a casual visit, remark, dress, etc.]; incidental emphasizes the nonessential or secondary nature of something [an incidental consideration]; adventitious refers to that which is added extrinsically and connotes a lack of essential connection

Derived forms

accidentally (ˌacciˈdentally)

adverb

Word origin

ME < LL accidentalis: see accident

Word Frequency

accidental

(æksɪdentəl )

adjective

An accidental event happens by chance or as the result of an accident, and is not deliberately intended.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

His hand brushed against hers; it could have been either accidental or deliberate.

Synonyms: unintentional, unexpected, incidental, unforeseen More Synonyms of accidental

accidentally (æksɪdentli ) adverb [ADVERB with verb]

A policeman accidentally killed his two best friends with a single bullet.

A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.

Synonyms: unintentionally, casually, unexpectedly, incidentally More Synonyms of accidental

Video: pronunciation of
accidental

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Word Frequency

accidental in British English

(ˌæksɪˈdɛntəl )

adjective

1.

occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally

2.